United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - After an investigation that began in November 2014, members of the DEA Ventura Resident Office and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit shut down a major cocaine distribution organization that was operating in and around San Luis Obispo County.  Investigators served search warrants over three days at five locations in the county, including Morro Bay, Los Osos, Atascadero and Paso Robles.  More than five kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of over $200,000 were seized from the locations.  Semi-automatic rifles, handguns and ammunition were also confiscated.  This investigation targeted a very sophisticated drug trafficking organization that was distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine throughout the county and the surrounding area.

The individuals arrested and associated charges are:

• Chase Michael Hanson, 25, Morro Bay. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, first degree residential burglary, maintaining a place for the sale of narcotics.
• Dane James Bennett, 26, Morro Bay. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, maintaining a place for the sale of narcotics.
• Jonathan David Byham, 25, Atascadero. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale.
• Sawyer Scott Sackett, 18, Paso Robles. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale.
• Johnnie James Medina Jr., 27, Morro Bay. Conspiracy to commit a crime, first degree residential burglary, receiving stolen property.
• Alexander John Getzbouchillon, 23, Los Osos. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale.
• Jason Vidal Sianez, 27, Atascadero. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale.
• Joseph Arch Messineo, 39, Atascadero. Conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a controlled substance for sale, cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale.
• Alexander Allan Matarese, 31, Cayucos. Conspiracy to commit a crime, transportation and sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance for sale.

All charges are felonies and all subjects apprehended were booked into County Jail.  Other agencies assisting in the investigation include the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office, the San Luis Obispo Police Department, the County Probation Department, the California Highway Patrol, and Homeland Security (HSI), as well as Irish law enforcement.