Four employees arrested for cocaine sales at Bonita Springs business
A narcotics investigation at a Bonita Springs business has resulted in the arrest of 4 employees for multiple counts of possession and sale of cocaine.
In late January, 2010, Lee County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives began an investigation into to the suspected sale of narcotics inside a licensed business known as Buffalo Chip’s Restaurant located at 26620 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. The investigation revealed there were narcotic sales occurring frequently inside the restaurant. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office notified ABT (Division of Alcohol, Beverages, and Tobacco) of their findings. ABT recognized these transactions were so frequent and obvious they posed an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. As a result of these dangers, ABT made a decision to pursue administrative charges against the license and to obtain an Emergency Order of Suspension.
On Thursday, March 04, 2010, at approximately 6 p.m., deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office along with members of the Bonita Springs Community Policing Narcotics Unit and ABT served an Emergency Order of Suspension and a Search Warrant at the business. Due to the Emergency Order issued by ABT, the restaurant will remain open but will not be allowed to serve alcohol. A remediation plan will be put in place by ABT which will outline additional restrictions. The search warrant resulted in the recovery of 13 grams of cocaine, valued at $700, and 59 grams of marijuana, valued at $200.
Those arrested and their charges are as follows:
Matthew Rutkowski DOB 1/29/1969
Bartender
Possession and sale of cocaine x 9
Possession and sale of marijuana x 2
Angelo Gutierrez DOB 11/27/1964
Kitchen Manager
Possession and sale of cocaine x 3
Juan Vasquez DOB 04/16/1971
Cook
Possession and sale of cocaine x 2
Paulo Vasquez DOB 10/19/1981
Cook
Possession and sale of cocaine x 1
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Department