SCPD Shuts Down Illegal Nightclub & Arrest Four

Santa Cruz Police Department Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) closed down an illegal nightclub operating in the 300 block of Coral Street thanks to a collaborative effort that included Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, City of Santa Cruz Code Enforcement, and Santa Cruz Fire Department. The nightclub’s operator and three employees were arrested during the operation.

On Saturday, July 9, 2016, a search warrant was served at the club which resulted in the seizure of a large amount of alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a stolen firearm. The nightclub’s operator and three employees were arrested during the operation.

Members of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team with SCPD Officers executed the search warrant at 11:55 p.m., July 9 at the illegal outlet. About 40 patrons were inside at the time. The unlicensed club charged patrons a door fee and illegally sold beer, wine, champagne, and Jell-O shots. During the search of the club, a .38 caliber revolver was located in a bedroom inside the warehouse style building. The revolver was determined to be stolen out of Shasta County.

The following were arrested and charged:

Robert Cardiasmenos, 62 years old from Capitola 

Charges: Conspiracy to Sell Alcoholic Beverage without a License, Failure to Obtain Worker’s Compensation Insurance, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Stephanie Ross, 52 years old from Santa Cruz 

Charges: Conspiracy to Sell Alcoholic Beverages without a License

Patrick Eze, 51 years old from Santa Cruz

Charges: Conspiracy to Sell Alcoholic Beverages without a License

Amber Hagle, 33 years old from Santa Cruz 

Charges: Conspiracy to Sell Alcoholic Beverages without a License

Stacy Crisler, 36 years old from Santa Cruz was issued Citation for Possession of Methamphetamine

Over the last month, the Santa Cruz Police Department received complaints about the after-hours night club operating in the largely industrial Coral Street neighborhood. The investigation revealed the club’s operator was running an illegal nightclub which would stay open until 6am.

During the course of the investigation, NET discovered the illegal club was visited by as many as 200 people a night when it was open. Undercover SCPD Officers visited the club and observed employees selling alcohol without a permit and allowing patrons to use and distribute controlled substances at the location. The club had entertainment provided by a DJ and live band.

The District Attorney’s Office also conducted an investigation into the club’s compliance with worker’s compensation insurance requirements, as well as assisting in the investigation of the criminal conspiracy. The Santa Cruz Fire Department investigated safety related code violations.

Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood.

SCPD is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

Welcome Joyce Blaschke to SCPD Family

After 2+ years of searching....We are proud to announce our new Community Relations Specialist.....(drumroll please)....Welcome Joyce Blaschke. 

Joyce will be transitioning into our primary media relations role including day-to-day media releases, and on-camera interviews.  Additionally, Joyce will be managing our other forms of communications to include social media.

We are so excited to have Joyce on board here at SCPD.  Joyce comes to us with over 20 years’ experience in marketing communications with the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

She earned two major degrees; B.S in School of Journalism and B.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado.

Initially on the way to San Diego, Joyce fell in love with Santa Cruz and made this community her home.
"This small town has a big heart. I found the community in Santa Cruz to be creative and courageous. It can be eclectic and traditional but never boring. There is always something to do."

After 20+ years, Joyce is still surprised and delighted by the many joys and possibilities found here.
"It's amazing how many people I meet who live here and do things on national and international platforms."

Joyce enjoys lending a hand to groups that support and encourage children. 

"I love it when kids' achievements surpass everyone's expectations.”

Joyce's experiences give her a deep appreciation for how an invested community is essential to our overall quality of life.  She will be a strong asset for our department and community.   

Please join us in welcoming Joyce Blaschke to the Santa Cruz Police Department family.