Photo: Evidence Collected | Courtesy of Atascadero PD
ATASCADERO, CA – Atascadero Police Department Detectives have made multiple arrests in connection with the sale of drugs to minors.
In January of 2023, the detectives were investigating a gang-related shooting when they received information about an adult male selling marijuana to juveniles in the city. After serving a search warrant in February, they seized a large quantity of marijuana and evidence of marijuana sales to minors in the 7500 block of Devon Court.
Further investigation led the detectives to uncover that the suspect, Connor Edward Winter, 23, was working with two other adults, David Javier Mendez 26, and an unidentified individual to sell marijuana, psilocybin, and LSD to minors between the ages of 14-17 years. The suspects were using social media applications to communicate and coordinate sales under the username “Masterpuffz.”
On March 30, 2023, with the assistance of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Special Enforcement Detail, APD served search warrants at two apartments in the 7900 block of Santa Ysabel in Atascadero. The search yielded large quantities of marijuana, psilocybin, THC vape products, and custom packaging with the “Masterpuffz” logo. In one apartment, several firearms were found in a safe among the controlled substances.
Winter was arrested for violation of HS 11353(c), HS 11360, PC 182, and PC 12022, while Mendez was arrested for HS 11353(c), HS 11360, and PC 182. Both have posted bail and were released from San Luis Obispo County Jail.
The Atascadero Police Department is encouraging parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of using drugs, especially at a young age. Parents and guardians are also advised to closely monitor their teens’ social media usage and encourage open communication regarding their experiences with potentially dangerous or harmful activities.
This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information on the illegal activities of the named suspects or the screen name/logo “Masterpuffz” should contact Detective Rodriguez at (805) 461-5051 or srodriguez@atascadero.org. For more information or resources on how to talk to your teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, please contact the Atascadero Police Department or Lighthouse Atascadero.
