Alleged drug dealer denies charge

A man deputies believe was involved in dealing methamphetamine out of his apartment in the 2300 block of North Carson Street pleaded not guilty in a Carson City district courtroom Monday.

Arturo Barajas, 21, was arrested Jan. 15 after deputies went to his home to investigate a report that he threatened a woman with a knife. While inside, an officer-safety search was conducted for weapons or illegal drugs and, according to reports, a deputy found several bags of methamphetamine.

Also inside was a glass smoking pipe and plastic wrap like that used to package methamphetamine. The apartment was equipped with a police scanner and a closed circuit camera that broadcasts pictures of the parking lot via a camera mounted outside.

When charges were filed, Barajas was implicated in three instances of dealing methamphetamine and one count of possession.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to 21 years prison time and a $300,000 fine.

A trial date has not been set.