Suspected marijuana collective burglars arrested

South Lake Tahoe Police responded to a reported burglary of Patient To Patient, a marijuana collective on July 9 in the 2300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd. The investigation revealed that two suspects broke into the collective during the night time hours of July 8, 2012.

The suspects stole a variety of items and intentionally caused extensive damage to the interior of the establishment. Police, working in conjunction with collective personnel, were able to identify two suspects. One of the suspects involved was identified as Ronald “Ronnie” Gionta, 19, a resident of South Lake Tahoe. He was arrested and confessed on July 12 to committing the crime.

Gointa was booked at the El Dorado County jail. A second suspect, a 16-year-old male South Lake Tahoe resident, admitted involvement and was arrested. He was booked at the Juvenile Treatment Center. Both are facing felony charges. The investigation is ongoing.

South Lake Tahoe Police suspect a third person, a former collective employee, provided the alarm code to the two suspects who actually forcibly entered the establishment to commit the crime. An additional arrest in this case is probable. Anyone with information should call the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at (530) 542-6100 or Secret Witness at (530) 541-6800.