Sunnyvale, CA – The manager of a Sunnyvale apartment complex has been arrested and charged with more than two dozen felonies after authorities discovered a large cache of guns and approximately $100,000 worth of drugs, according to Santa Clara County prosecutors.
Arrest and Investigation
Brett Maxwell, 51, was taken into custody following a coordinated law enforcement operation last week, prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday, November 13, 2025. Maxwell, who managed an apartment complex near Fair Oaks Park, is accused of operating a thriving drug business distributing methamphetamine and heroin.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized the serious nature of the arrest, stating, “We will never accept turning our neighborhoods into gun and drug bazaars. Thanks to the partnership between local and federal law enforcement agencies, we shut down both this extremely dangerous business and the reckless felon who ran it.”
Massive Weapons and Drugs Seized
During the operation, authorities executed search warrants at both Maxwell’s apartment and a storage unit located several miles away. Law enforcement discovered an arsenal of firearms, including some privately made unserialized “ghost guns”, along with substantial quantities of illegal drugs and cash.
Prosecutors estimated that the street value of the seized drugs totals $100,000. In addition to the drugs, the storage unit contained not only firearms but also explosives, raising concerns about potential public safety hazards.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Santa Clara County Gun Violence Task Force, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, the San Jose Police Department, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and federal authorities. The joint effort was critical in ensuring the successful apprehension of Maxwell and the safe seizure of illegal items.
Chief Dan Pastor of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “This kind of partnership is essential to keeping our neighborhoods safe, and we’re grateful for our partners who help us remove these dangerous threats from our streets.”
Location Raises Community Concerns
Authorities noted that the apartment complex where Maxwell operated his alleged drug business is located next to an elementary school and a city playground, heightening concerns about the potential risk to children and families in the area. Prosecutors stressed that addressing criminal operations in close proximity to schools and public spaces is a top priority for law enforcement.
Court Proceedings
Maxwell was arraigned on Wednesday afternoon and faces multiple felony charges, including possession and distribution of controlled substances and illegal possession of firearms. If convicted, he could face significant prison time, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as authorities continue to review evidence seized during the operation.
Community Impact
This case underscores the dangers posed by illegal firearms and drug trafficking in residential neighborhoods. Authorities continue to urge residents to report any suspicious activity in their communities to help prevent similar criminal operations from endangering families.
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