Five people were indicted by a federal grand jury for crimes related to a drug trafficking operation.
The suspects were involved in Merced County’s Operation Red Rooster, a long-term investigation into gang violence and drug trafficking.
The big picture: Fernando Arrellano, 36, Isaiah Serena, 40, Jason Mott, 49, David Gonzales, 45 and Christopher Baca-Arias, 18, were all charged with crimes related to drug trafficking.
- Arellano, Serena and Mott were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Serena and Mott were also charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
- Serena, Mott Gonzales and Baca-Arias were charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and Serna, Gonzales and Baca-Arias were also charged with the distribution of fentanyl.
- Serena also was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
Driving the news: Serena and Mott operated a drug trafficking operation centered on a self-storage business in Merced, according to court documents.
- Arellano supplied methamphetamine, while Baca-Arias supplied fentanyl.
- Gonzales worked for Serena and Mott.
- The investigation found that the conspirators distributed over 40 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl.
What we’re watching: Arellano, Serena, Mott and Gonzales face a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine if convicted.
- Baca-Arias faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if convicted.
