Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Narcotics Investigation / Arrests
Report Number: 160059859
160062243
Location: 16000 block of Saticoy Street, Los Angeles
21000 block of Saticoy Street, Los Angeles
Date & Time: 4/22/2016, 1900 hours
4/26/2016, 1436 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics/ East County Street Team
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Piano, James Canoga Park 41
Marine, Justin Winnetka 40
Sanchez, Osvaldo Canoga Park 27

Narrative:
During the last several months, Detectives with the Sheriff’s East County Narcotics Team conducted an investigation into two Los Angeles County residents who were involved in the sales of methamphetamine to residents of Ventura County. These two subjects were identified as James Piano and Osvaldo Sanchez.

During the investigation, Detectives observed both subjects involved in illegal drug activity. On 4/22/16, The East County Street Team with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit, conducted surveillance on James Piano. At the time, it was discovered Piano had an active warrant for his arrest for absconding from parole. Detectives followed Piano and a second subject later identified as Justin Marine, to a parking lot at the 16000 block of Saticoy Street in Los Angeles. Detectives converged on the two subjects and were able take Piano into custody for the warrant. Marine was detained and it was discovered he was on active probation.

Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle and located just under 1-1/2 pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun. Marine was also arrested and he and Piano were taken to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station where they were booked. Marine was booked on charges of possession for sales of a controlled substance. Charges against Piano are pending the completion of the investigation.

On 4/26/2016, Detectives with the East County Street Team secured a search warrant for Osvaldo Sanchez, his residence and vehicles. Detectives were assisted by the Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit, West County Street Team, and officers with the Los Angeles Police Department-Topanga Division.

Sanchez was arrested at his place of work in Canoga Park without incident. Once he was arrested, detectives served a search warrant at Sanchez’ residence located at the 21000 block of Saticoy Street in Los Angeles.

During a search of Sanchez’s residence and vehicle, detectives located over ¾ of a pound of methamphetamine, ¼ pound of heroin and over $25,000 in cash determined to be proceeds from drug sales.

Sanchez, who is on active parole, was booked into jail in Van Nuys for a parole violation. Charges related to the narcotic violations are pending until the completion of the investigation.

Both Piano and Sanchez are currently in custody at the Los Angeles County Jail for parole violation and have no bail. Both are pending charges related to this investigation. Marine was booked into jail and has since been released pending the filing of charges against him.

Prepared by: Sgt. Jose Rivera
News Release Date: 4/29/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jose Rivera 805-797-6341, [email protected]
Approved by: Captain Robert Thomas

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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