SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Three people charged in a methamphetamine ring operating out of the Mission Bay Sports Center, where summer youth programs are held, pleaded not guilty Monday to felony drug charges.
Spencer Nicholas Edmonds, 32, Vincent Manuel Garcia, 41, were each ordered held on $500,000 bail.
A third defendant, Joe Bean, 52, had his bail set at $100,000. Authorities said Bean allegedly bought 2 ounces of meth from two co-defendants.
All three defendants are charged with possession for sale of methamphetamine and transportation of methamphetamine, with Bean also facing a charge of possession of marijuana for sale, said Deputy District Attorney Jorge Del Portillo.
Several people were arrested last week as part of "Operation Boone's Farm," an undercover investigation during which officers allegedly purchased a half-pound of meth.
Nine defendants were initially charged, and charges are pending against two more individuals, the prosecutor said.
Authorities said officers also learned that lockers at the Sports Center were being utilized as a drop location for drug deliveries and payments between suppliers and customers.
Center owner Jason Boone, the alleged ringleader of the operation, is charged with 15 counts, including transportation, sale and possession of meth. Boone, 40, faces eight years in state prison if convicted.
Also charged in the case are Susie Macias, 39; Jacqueline Miller, 32; Michael Gifford, 41; Janelle Shryock, 21; and Tamara Delar, 20.
Boone, Macias and Gifford pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Friday and had their bail set at $500,000 each.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled June 20.