Authorities Bust Alleged Meth Ring
Narcotics Detectives Arrest Six Suspects in Raid
Following a three-month-long investigation, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s detectives on May 25 arrested six people in the Upper Riviera area suspected of running an alleged methamphetamine ring.
According to Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Drew Sugars, narcotics detectives — assisted by city police — served a search warrant in the 2000 block of Las Canoas Road, taking a half-dozen people into custody who are suspected of dealing and using meth.
Information collected during the lengthy sting, which included leads developed with the public’s help, pointed authorities to 59-year-old William Paxson and 35-year-old William Konrad who were both found in Paxson’s residence on Las Canoas Road. There, detectives also apprehended Jerry Boeff, 44; Francine Gabel, 59; Blue Downstream Herrick Major, 23; and Paul Woellert, 46.
Authorities seized a number of scales, approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, packaging materials, $1,200 in cash, and other paraphernalia.
The six were booked into County Jail and were charged with the following crimes:
– Paxson: Being under the influence of a controlled substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a dwelling for drug use/sales. Bail was set at $2,500
– Konrad: Violating probation and being under the influence of a controlled substance. No bail was set.
– Boeff: Being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.
– Gabel: Selling a controlled substance, transporting a controlled substance, and possessing drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $30,000
– Major: Being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $2,500.
– Woellert: Possessing a controlled substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, and having an outstanding felony no bail warrant.
