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.