Carson City meth bust ends in nine arrests by Tri-NET

A total of nine people were arrested in Carson City Thursday on major drug charges after a three-month investigation by the Tri-NET Narcotics Task Force.

Agents took over a house in the 3500 block of Desatoya Drive early Thursday and, during the course of the day, seized some 300 grams — nearly 11 ounces — of meth.

Elvin Lee Fred, 32, was arrested on suspicion of multiple trafficking charges in addition to being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen property. He was ordered held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

His girlfriend Tawnee Johnson, also was charged with trafficking meth, possession of stolen property and held on $250,000 bail.

In addition, seven other individuals were arrested on drug-related warrants in the case. Their names and bail amounts are as follows: Christopher Shane Landry, 43, $25,000 bail; James Tito, 41, $100,000 bail; Michelle Rendleman, 34, $20,000 bail, Aaron Jalbert, 25, $100,000 bail; Lee Huttman, 53, $25,000 bail; Patricia Skenandore-Bigpond, 33, $100,000 bail; and Jason Huddleston, 38, $25,000 bail.

Those individuals were charged with a variety of felonies including drug sales, trafficking, conspiracy and having a child present during a drug violation.

A Tri-NET spokesman said the meth seized has a street value of more than $30,000.

He said the arrests will eliminate one of the neighborhood’s supply centers.

Three handguns and a stolen motorcyle also were recovered.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said as a precautionary measure, Empire Elementary School held its recess periods indoors on Thursday to make sure there were no problems for the children at the school. He said there was no threat to any of the schools even though the houses raided were nearby.

Tri-NET is comprised of investigators from the Carson City Sheriff’s Department, Douglas County and the Nevada office of the Military Counter-Drug Unit.

The Tri-NET Task Force is supervised by the Nevada Department of Public Safety Investigation Division and comprised of investigators from DPS-ID, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Office of the Military Counter Drug Unit. To report any drug related activity call (775) 684-7440.