A known associate of criminal networks operating in the Lake Tahoe bi-state area has been convicted and is undergoing proceedings for deportation, resulting from a multi-agency investigation dubbed 'Operation Bear Trap.'
Edgar Ivan Trejo-Mendoza was identified and arrested on February 8, 2025, in Cool, California, after a multi-year joint investigation that targeted violent crime, illegal firearms trafficking, and illicit drug distribution in the region.Â
Trejo-Mendoza was initially charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm as a prohibited person (due to a domestic violence restraining order), sale of an assault weapon to a felon, fugitive from justice, and illegal entry into the United States.
On February 18, 2025, Trejo-Mendoza pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful transfer of a firearm in the El Dorado County Superior Court.
He was sentenced to time served (17 days in the El Dorado County Jail) and placed on probation. Following his release, Trejo-Mendoza was taken into custody by FBI agents and ICE officers for illegal entry into the United States and now awaits deportation; proceedings have been initiated.Â
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office, ATF Sacramento, DEA Sacramento, and FBI Sacramento collaborated to conduct Operation Bear Trap, which found Trejo to be a member of a criminal network that traffics firearms and drugs to fuel violent crime in the Tahoe region.
Convicted Sureno gang members and affiliates are among his known associates; as can be seen below, several of them are serving noticeably lower sentences in El Dorado County despite having felony convictions:
- Carlos Alfredo Perez Guerra
- Convicted of possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and felon in possession of a firearm. Originally sentenced to 4 years; currently on probation in El Dorado County after serving approximately 2 years.
- Oscar Arreola Nunez
- Convicted of 16 felonies, including the sale of multiple machine guns and narcotics across the street from South Tahoe Middle School. Sentenced to 7 years (4 years suspended); served 1.5 years and is now on probation.
- Jose Medina Vazquez
- Convicted of over eight felonies, including possession of a machine gun, felon in possession of a firearm, and narcotics distribution. Serving a 7-year sentence, expected release in spring 2026.
- Bryan Antunez Gonzalez
- Convicted of carjacking and robbery; sentenced to 6 years in prison and will be deported upon release.
Four additional federal defendants associated with Trejo were federally indicted in 2022 for methamphetamine trafficking and are awaiting trial.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says they are dedicated to stopping illegal firearm trafficking, gang activities, and violent crime.
They say they will continue working towards apprehending, prosecuting, and, when necessary, deporting those involved in criminal enterprises through collaborations with federal agencies. Public safety, school safety, and gang recruitment prevention are the goals of these measures.
They encourage everyone in the community to be on the lookout and notify law enforcement of any suspicious activities.
DCSO says by working together, they can increase family safety in Douglas County and the neighboring areas.
