Four arrested in Tri-Net drug arrest

Fifty grams of methamphetamine were recovered and Tri-Net officers made four arrests Tuesday following an anonymous complaint about illegal drug activity at a house on Sherman Street in Carson City.

Lt. Mike Allen of the Tri Net Narcotics Task Force said officials received the complaint a few weeks ago and had been actively working on the case for about five days.

A vehicle carrying Francisco Venegas, 22, Sonja Soto, 23, and Melissa Howell, 22, was stopped about 2 p.m. at Hot Springs Road and College Parkway as a result of that investigation.

A Carson City resident, Venegas was arrested on an outstanding warrant for investigation of trafficking in a controlled substance, possession for sale of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

He was additionally charged with trafficking of a controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance, conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substance Act and attempted sale of a controlled substance. Bail is set at $345,000.

Conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substance Act occurs when two or more people agree to commit a crime.

"We have information indicating that all defendants were involved in the alleged trafficking," Allen said.

Soto, of Carson City, was arrested for the investigation of conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substance Act. Bail is set at $15,000.

Howell, a Dayton resident, was arrested for the investigation of conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substance Act and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail is set at $16,000.

Desiree Mynear, 21, of Dayton, was subsequently arrested at the Sherman Street residence during the execution of a search warrant on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail is set at $1,105.

The four were taken to the Carson City Sheriff's Department for booking.

Allen did not know when the four would be arraigned but said that Venegas' charges, third-level trafficking, carry a sentence of from 10 years to life in prison.

He said the investigation is ongoing and there are additional leads.

The Tri-Net Narcotics Task Force is composed of members of the Nevada Department of Public Safety Investigation Division, working with Douglas, Lyon, Carson City and Storey County sheriff's departments.

To report drug information or activity to the Tri-Net Narcotics Task Force, call 687-1658.