Suspect Sold Meth From Sonoma Co. Motels: Police

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Santa Rosa and Petaluma police Tuesday arrested a man suspected of selling methamphetamine. Mario Harry Morganti, 37, was arrested at the Gold Coin Motel at 2400 Mendocino Ave. in Santa Rosa after police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a surveillance operation that began around noon at a Motel 6 in Petaluma, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Rich Celli said.

Morganti was seen conducting multiple drug transactions at the Santa Rosa motel, and he was in possession of several ounces of methamphetamine and a firearm when he was detained, Celli said.

Two men suspected of buying the drug fled but were later arrested, Celli said.

Police found one pound of methamphetamine, packaging and other evidence in the Petaluma motel that indicated Morganti was selling the drug, Celli said.

Morganti was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of drug and weapon possession offenses and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Sonoma County Superior Court.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and Santa Rosa Junior College District Police Department also participated in the investigation and surveillance.

By Bay City News Service

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