Drug bust nabs 7 Valley residents

WASILLA -- Seven Wasilla residents were arrested Thursday for alleged cocaine trafficking. Nearly $60,000 worth of the drug was confiscated, along with $10,000 cash and 40 guns, Alaska State Trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson said.

The arrests culminated a six-month effort by the Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement's Mat-Su unit. The investigation included sales and purchases of cocaine in the Valley and in Anchorage.

The drug team seized 20 ounces of cocaine, Wilkinson said.

"That is a good-sized amount," he said. "That breaks down to 567 grams with a street value of $100 per gram."

Cocaine often is sold in half grams or quarter grams, he said.

Wilkinson noted that several of the firearms taken from defendants were found to be stolen. Also, law enforcement agents took possession of five vehicles.

Those arrested and their charges include Ernesto A. Mendes, 33, one count of first-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance, one count of second-degree MICS, 12 counts of third-degree MICS and one count of second-degree theft; Lorenzo Deleon Jr., 31, two counts of third-degree MICS and one count of fourth-degree MICS; and Betty Jean Redd-Mendez, 30, four counts of third-degree MICS and four counts of fourth-degree MICS.

Also arrested were Brian Leroy Madsen, 39, one count of third-degree MICS; Mike O.J. Frizzelle, 41, one count of third-degree MICS; Karen R. Willard, 46, one count of second-degree MICS, two counts of third-degree MICS and one count of fourth-degree MICS; and Frank Anthony Ross Jr., 56, two counts of third-degree MICS.

Bail amounts were not immediately available from Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility.

Wilkinson said additional charges of misconduct involving a controlled substance, possession of stolen property and child endangerment will be filed with the Palmer District Attorney's office.

Nine search warrants were executed in making the arrests. Alaska State Troopers, Wasilla Police Department, Palmer Police Department, Anchorage Police Department, Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Guard Counter Drug Support aided the drug team in the investigation.