Three Arrested in Connection with Ongoing Fentanyl Investigation in Tuolumne County
JAMESTOWN, CA
“On the morning of Thursday, November 7th, 2024, TNT Agents conducted a traffic stop on 35-year-old Derek Richard Estes’ vehicle, on Highway 108 near Green Springs Rd., in Jamestown, after obtaining a search warrant following a lengthy investigation into Estes’ involvement with the transportation and sales of Fentanyl.
TNT Agents detained the vehicle’s occupants, including Estes, 27-year-old Stacey Christ, and 42-year-old Janae Lynn Tonegato. TNT Agents searched the vehicle and located approximately one ounce (28.5 grams) of suspected Fentanyl-Isotonitazene.
Fentanyl-Isotonitazene “ISO” is an emerging synthetic opioid approximately 20 times more potent than Fentanyl. This extremely potent and deadly substance is typically cut by dealers, with other substances, to increase the total amount of product and increase profits.
TNT agents also located approximately two grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and drug use paraphernalia. Through their investigation, TNT Agents determined the Fentanyl-Isotonitazine was purchased in the San Francisco area and transported to Tuolumne County.
Estes, Christ, and Tonegato, were arrested and transported to the Dambacher Detention Center (DDC), where they were booked on the charges of 11351 H&S – Possession of Fentanyl for sale, 11352 H&S – Transportation of Fentanyl for sale, 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sale, 11379 H&S – Transportation of methamphetamine for sale, 11352(B) H&S – Transportation of Fentanyl across multiple counties for sale, 11379(B) H&S – Transportation of methamphetamine across multiple counties for sale, 11364 H&S – Possession of drug paraphernalia and 182(A)(1) PC – Conspiracy to commit a crime. Estes was additionally booked for 122022.1 PC – Committing a felony while out on bail.
Once at the DDC, deputies found Tonegato had Fentanyl concealed on her person. Tonegato was charged with 4573(A) PC – Bringing a controlled substance into the jail.
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with knowledge related to this case is requested to contact TNT at (209) 533-5884.”
