Drug charges levied against 2 S. Tahoe residents

South Tahoe officers arrested a member of the Brotherhood motorcycle club on March 25 and confiscated weapons. Photo/Provided

Two South Lake Tahoe residents were arrested Monday on drug charges.

Police Officer Travis Cabral allegedly saw Ryan Marino, 29, buy drugs in a parking lot at the Y on March 25. Marino, who is a member of the local Brotherhood Motorcycle Club and an ex-felon, was stopped by Cabral outside a residence in the 1800 block of 10th Street. (Marino was riding an unregistered motorcycle.)

Shaleen Pierson

Cabral said he saw a fixed blade hunting type knife under Marino’s arm affixed to his vest, which led to Marino being frisked. During this search, Cabral said he found hypodermic syringes inside Marino’s vest and clear plastic packages

of what is suspected to be about a half ounce of methamphetamine in each baggie.

Ryan Marino

A warrant to search Marino’s residence was obtained.

Officers said in the room Marino shares with his 37-year-old girlfriend Shaleen Pierson they found a sawed-off shotgun, 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, a flare pistol and paraphernalia used to package illicit drugs for sale. Pierson was then arrested.

Both were charged with maintaining a residence to sell controlled substances, as well as a variety of drug and weapons offenses.

The investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be forthcoming. Officers intend to pursue with the District Attorney’s Office enhancement against Marino and Pierson for allegedly committing criminal offenses in the furtherance of a criminal street gang.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report