TUOLUMNE COUNTY – On January 2, 2019, California Alcoholic Beverage Control agents and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s narcotics agents wrapped up a months-long drug-trafficking investigation with Operation “Snow Fall” and the arrest of seven people.
The law enforcement officers executed multiple search and arrest warrants stemming from a drug dealing operation within the vicinity of a downtown Twain Harte cocktail lounge.
From top left: (Gelhaus, Mantzouranis, Diaz) Bottom left: (Hankins, Bradley, Mangrum, Christensen)
During the investigation, ABC and sheriff’s narcotics agents purchased cocaine and MDMA (Ecstacy/Molly) on several occasions from inside the lounge. Arrest warrants were issued for:
- Quentin Gelhaus who allegedly led the drug dealing ring with help from
- Christopher Mantzouranis,
- Richelle Diaz,
- Joshua Hankins,
- Allyson Bradley,
- Gary Somerville,
- Troy Mangrum,
- and Sebastian Christensen.
“Investigating drug trafficking, particularly when it involves armed subjects, is very dangerous for these agents,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “Taking seven suspected dealers off the streets will make a big impact on the community surrounding this particular bar. I’m thankful the suspects were arrested without incident or injury.”
Search warrants were executed at the homes of Gelhaus, Diaz, Christensen, and Mantzouranis in Twain Harte and Sonora. Agents discovered more evidence of drug sales at the homes including three ounces of cocaine, two ounces of MDMA, packaging materials, scales, and nearly $9,000 cash. Two loaded handguns were seized, one which was determined to have been stolen out of Modesto.
Gelhaus and Diaz were taken into custody on their arrest warrants along with charges for possession of cocaine and MDMA for sale, being armed in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a crime and child endangerment. A six-year-old child who was present at the home was placed into the care of child welfare services.
Mantzouranis was taken into custody on his arrest warrant with additional charges of possession of cocaine and MDMA for sale, being armed in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a stolen firearm, and manufacturing of a controlled substance. Evidence of a butane honey oil lab was found in his home.
Christensen was taken into custody on his arrest warrant along with fresh charges of possession of cocaine for sale, and for committing a felony while out on bail stemming from a drugs sales arrest in December.
Hankins, Bradley, and Mangrum were all located and taken into custody on their warrants for selling drugs to undercover agents.
As of January 3, 2019, Somerville has not yet been captured. He is wanted for drug sales in Tuolumne County as well as in Tennessee.
