El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson announced today the arrest of former South Lake Tahoe marijuana dispensary owner Gennaro "Gino" DiMatteo on federal charges.
In a cooperative effort between the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office and federal authorities, DiMatteo was arrested today on a federal arrest warrant in Placerville. Due to the more severe penalties available under federal sentencing statutes, the District Attorney’s Office moved to dismiss the state charges against DiMatteo in lieu of federal prosecution so that his criminal activities may be more appropriately dealt with in federal court.
One of DiMatteo’s attorneys, Ted Long, has repeatedly attempted to criticize the investigation into his client’s criminal activities. The arrest of DiMatteo on federal charges directly refutes Long’s allegations. Further, one only needs to hear the words of DiMatteo himself to understand Long’s apparent true motives:
Audio: DA Investigator Dillard Interview of DiMatteo on September 5, 2012
Investigator Dillard: “And what was Ted’s deal after the fact? When you got back there, what was he doing? What was his leading –“
Gino DiMatteo: “I – I really think that Ted Long’s only agenda is political. And I think it’s his intention to no, you know, not represent me properly and just use my – my – I don’t know how to say it. You now, what’s happening to me – to advance himself and his own agenda.”
The District Attorney’s Office also announced that the investigation into certain South Lake Tahoe City officials as to their dealings with DiMatteo is ongoing.