SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A multi-year, multi-agency effort to combat firearms and narcotics trafficking in the Tahoe bi-state area has resulted in significant arrests and convictions, underscoring the power of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies.

As part of Operation Bear Trap, a joint investigation led by local, state, and federal authorities, Edgar Ivan Trejo-Mendoza pleaded guilty on February 18, 2025, to one felony count of Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm in the El Dorado County Superior Court. He was sentenced to time served, which was 17 days in the El Dorado County Jail, and placed on probation. Following his release, FBI agents and ICE officers took Trejo into custody for illegal entry into the United States and deportation proceedings have been initiated.

The Operation Bear Trap investigation targeted violent crime, illegal firearms trafficking, and narcotics distribution in the region. Trejo was arrested on February 8, 2025, in Cool, California, and initially charged with multiple offenses, including Possession of a firearm as a prohibited person (due to a domestic violence restraining order); Sale of an assault weapon to a felon; Fugitive from justice; Illegal entry into the United States.

“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of partnerships between local law enforcement and our federal partners,” said El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson. “By leveraging resources and intelligence across agencies, we are making our communities safer and sending a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in the Tahoe area.”

Operation Bear Trap and Gang-Related Crime
Operation Bear Trap—jointly led by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, ATF Sacramento, DEA Sacramento, and FBI Sacramento—identified Trejo as part of a criminal network trafficking firearms and narcotics, fueling violent crime in the Tahoe area. His known associates include convicted Sureno gang members and affiliates, several of whom have received felony convictions, but are serving significantly reduced sentences in El Dorado County:

• Carlos Alfredo Perez Guerra – Convicted of possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and felon in possession of a firearm. Originally sentenced to 4 years; currently on probation in El Dorado County after serving approximately 2 years.

• Oscar Arreola Nunez – Convicted of 16 felonies, including the sale of multiple machine guns and narcotics across the street from South Tahoe Middle School. Sentenced to 7 years (4 years suspended); served 1.5 years and is now on probation.

• Jose Medina Vazquez – Convicted of over eight felonies, including possession of a machine gun, felon in possession of a firearm, and narcotics distribution. Serving a 7-year sentence, expected release in spring 2026.

• Bryan Antunez Gonzalez – Convicted of carjacking and robbery; sentenced to 6 years in prison and will be deported upon release.

• Four additional federal defendants associated with Trejo were federally indicted in 2022 for methamphetamine trafficking and are awaiting trial.