Alligator, Gold-Plated Gun Found In LA Luxury Apartment Stash House: DOJ

LOS ANGELES, CA — A man and woman were arrested this month after federal authorities said they found more than 90 pounds of fentanyl, cocaine, guns, drug-processing equipment and a small alligator inside a luxury downtown Los Angeles apartment believed to be a stash house.

Marvin Angelito, 27, and Susan Gonzalez, 26, were arrested Sept. 10 and charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

Federal authorities searched the couple’s apartment that day after investigators identified it as a suspected drug trafficking location, according to prosecutors.

Investigators seized about 93.9 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder, 15.9 pounds of cocaine and about 2.2 pounds of heroin, prosecutors said.

Authorities also found laboratory equipment, including beakers, mixers, stirrers and torches, along with a hydraulic press, according to prosecutors.

An AR-15 rifle and ammunition were found in a hallway closet, while a gold-plated Desert Eagle .50-caliber pistol and ammunition were found on the kitchen counter. Investigators also seized a police radio, prosecutors said.

A small alligator found inside the apartment was taken by agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to prosecutors.

Angelito and Gonzalez made their initial appearances Monday in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Stevenson ordered Angelito detained and Gonzalez released on $15,000 bond.

Angelito is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 2, while Gonzalez is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 9. Neither entered a plea Monday.

If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.