SANTA ANA : Major Drug Sweep Yields First Conviction

Jurors took 90 minutes Thursday to convict an accused heroin dealer, the first suspect to face a jury trial from a publicized drug sweep in Santa Ana last year.

Because of prior convictions, Gustavo Bustos Chavez, 25, of Santa Ana could face 25 years to life in prison under the state’s “three strikes and you’re out” law. A hearing was set in Orange County Superior Court on Sept. 29 to determine which of Chavez’s convictions will be counted.

Chavez, who authorities said sold heroin to benefit his gang, was among 115 people indicted on drug charges during Operation Roundup, the city’s largest sweep of drug dealers and gang members.

The arrests came after a five-month investigation during which FBI informant Henry Gomez was videotaped making 200 drug purchases. Jurors were shown a videotape of Chavez selling a $20 chunk of heroin.

“The evidence was pretty good. It was on videotape,” said a juror, who declined to be identified by name.

Jurors discounted defense arguments that Gomez was unreliable because he has a long criminal past and embezzled $115 from the drug sting program. The defense attorney also said Gomez was paid $21,344 for his services and promised a bonus based on his performance in court.

Gomez “wasn’t the best of people. He was a witness,” the juror said.

Defense attorney Frank Ospino expressed disappointment with the verdict.

“I’m a little surprised. I thought the informant had really been shown to be someone who lacked credibility,” said Ospino, a deputy alternate defender. “His credibility was the centerpiece of the case.”