By Redacción
[email protected]
By Redacción
[email protected]
Man Arrested for Selling Marijuana to Minors via Social Media
A 23-year-old man has been arrested by the Santa Barbara County Cannabis Compliance Team on charges of selling unlicensed marijuana products, including to minors, using social media platforms.
Alexis Silviano Vazquez Guzman, a Santa Maria resident, was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 22, after authorities executed a search warrant at his residence in the 300 block of E. Bunny Avenue.
The investigation, which began in March, revealed that the suspect was allegedly using social media apps to advertise and deliver cannabis products, primarily to underage buyers, officials said.
During the search, officers seized more than 1,000 THC vape cartridges, over 300 pre-rolled cannabis joints, dozens of THC edibles, about three pounds of marijuana flower, 33 electronic vape devices, one unserialized firearm, known as a “ghost gun,” and nearly $38,000 in cash.
“We believe the products were purchased legally from dispensaries but were being illegally resold without a license through delivery, often targeting minors,” a Compliance Team spokesperson stated.
Vazquez Guzman was booked at the Northern Branch Jail on multiple misdemeanor charges including possession and transportation of marijuana for sale, possession of a firearm without a serial number, and unsafe storage of a firearm.
He also faces felony charges for selling cannabis to minors and possessing marijuana with the intent to sell to minors but has been released on bail pending further legal proceedings.
The SBCSO warned of the growing use of social media platforms to traffic drugs, especially among youth.
Apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Telegram have become common tools for unlicensed dealers to offer cannabis products, many of which are disguised as everyday items or candy.
Authorities advise parents to watch for signs that may indicate this kind of activity: unusual slang like “plugs,” “gas,” or “loud”; emojis such as maple leaves, clouds, or flames; sudden use of secondary or encrypted apps; and unexplained money transfers through apps like Venmo or CashApp.
Other warning signs include unmarked packages arriving at home and behavioral or physical changes such as red eyes, increased appetite, or lethargy.
Also, authorities urge parents and guardians to engage in open, ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of drug use and online behavior.
“Prevention starts at home,” officials emphasized. “Active parental involvement is crucial to keeping youth from falling prey to the illegal cannabis market.”
Seeking Additional Survivors in Goleta Daycare Abuse Case
Authorities in Santa Barbara County are asking for the public’s help to identify additional survivors in a child sexual abuse case involving a Goleta man now in custody.
Martin Efrain Barajas, 51, was arrested on March 3, in connection with multiple felony charges stemming from alleged abuse that began more than two decades ago.
His arrest follows an investigation launched in August 2024, when a survivor came forward with allegations of lewd acts that occurred in 2002, when the survivor was under the age of 10.
Through their investigation, Sheriff’s detectives identified Barajas as the suspect and arrested him under a warrant charging him with two counts of sexual acts with a child under 10 and five counts of lewd acts with a child under 14.
He remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail, with bail set at $1.25 million.
Detectives believe there are likely additional survivors who have yet to come forward. They are urging anyone who may have interacted with Barajas in the early 2000s, particularly through a daycare operated by a family member on Lowell Way in Goleta, to contact investigators.
To aid in the identification process, the Sheriff’s Department has released Barajas’s booking photo and is asking any individuals who recognize him or may have relevant information to reach out.
Detective Holman is handling the investigation and can be reached directly at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip or by calling (805) 681-4171.
In coordination with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, sheriff’s detectives are working alongside the Victim-Witness Assistance Program to ensure that the needs of survivors are prioritized.
Victim advocates are available to provide information, guidance, and emotional support throughout the legal process. Survivors may contact the program directly at (805) 568-2400 or toll-free at (855) 840-3232.
Additionally, the community organization Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) offers confidential services including a 24-hour crisis hotline, legal and medical advocacy, and counseling. STESA advocates are available anytime by calling (805) 564-3696.
Ventura Police Has New Chief
After an extensive national search, the City of Ventura has announced the appointment of David Dickey as its next Chief of Police.
A seasoned law enforcement leader with deep roots in Ventura County, Dickey will assume his new role on May 16, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience—28 of them within the Ventura Police Department, where he has served as Assistant Chief for the past five years.
“As someone who calls Ventura home, I am passionate about fostering a culture of service, integrity, and accountability,” said Dickey.
City Manager Bill Ayub, who until 2023 was Ventura County’s Sheriff, praised Dickey’s selection, noting both his professional credentials and local ties.
“We are excited to welcome Chief Dickey as the next leader of the Ventura Police Department. His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to the community make him well-equipped to address evolving public safety challenges with professionalism,” said Ayub.
Dickey’s law enforcement career began in 1994.
He joined the Ventura Police Department in 1997, steadily rising through the ranks as patrol officer, supervisor, and commander before his appointment to Assistant Chief in 2020.
During his tenure, he has been credited with driving key department reforms, reducing crime, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding partnerships with local residents and organizations.
He holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego and is a graduate of the California POST Command College.
His executive-level training includes certifications from the POST Executive Development and Management Program and the California Police Chiefs’ Executive Leadership Institute.
“The strength of our police department lies in the dedication of our people, and I am deeply committed to ensuring equal treatment and responsiveness to all members of our community,” said Dickey.
In his new role, Dickey will lead a department of more than 250 sworn officers, professional staff, and volunteers, and his annual base salary will be $280,276.78.
