Salinas, CA – A major drug trafficking operation in Salinas has been dismantled following months of police investigation, resulting in the arrest of a husband and wife duo who allegedly ran a network that accepted EBT cards as payment for narcotics, authorities said.
Operation “Logged Out”
The investigation, known as Operation “Logged Out,” was conducted by the Salinas Police Department in late 2024. Officials revealed in a joint media conference on Monday that the operation targeted a network led by Matthew Loggins, 44, and Karen Guadalupe Loggins, 33, who allegedly sold narcotics primarily in the Chinatown area of Salinas.
Police allege the couple exploited vulnerable members of the community, including the unhoused and individuals battling addiction. “The Loggins profited on some of our community’s most vulnerable residents,” said Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta.
Drug Distribution and Cartel Ties
Authorities say the Loggins network used multiple “drug runners” to transport narcotics from Southern California to Salinas, with Matthew or Karen following closely to ensure delivery. Investigators discovered direct ties to Mexican cartel associates, based on packaging and signature markings found on the drugs.
One of the most disturbing aspects, according to Chief Acosta, was the Loggins’ acceptance of EBT cards as payment. Police allege the couple collected sensitive personal and financial information from buyers, allowing them to drain funds from EBT accounts for their own profit.
Arrests and Seizures
The Loggins were arrested on October 27 and booked into Monterey County Jail on multiple drug-trafficking felony charges. Police executed searches at three properties associated with the couple, seizing:
- Multiple firearms
- Currency and jewelry
- Designer bags
- Vehicles including a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and a 2020 Dodge Charger
- Nearly 27 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of fentanyl pills, over 17 pounds of powdered fentanyl, an ounce of heroin, and 11.2 grams of cocaine
Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said her office reviewed 45 search warrants and confirmed at least 30 instances of EBT fraud. She also announced civil forfeiture proceedings for over $400,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
Additional Arrests
The operation included several other arrests as part of the network:
- Sabrina Pieri, 38, of Marina, arrested during a traffic stop in South Monterey County on October 24, with 12 pounds of fentanyl and 25 pounds of methamphetamine in her vehicle
- Nicole Rankins, 37
- Adrian Estigoy, 31
- Andrea Salazar, 31
- Sean Coffer, 31
- Danuelle McDonald, 47
- Kayla Potter, 37
According to Monterey CHP Captain Erica Elias, Pieri and others were charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts as part of the same Operation “Logged Out.”
Community Impact
Officials emphasized that the operation not only disrupted a large-scale drug trafficking network but also prevented further exploitation of vulnerable residents through EBT card fraud. Authorities urged the community to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant about drug-related crimes.
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