A Logan man was arrested Wednesday following an investigation by the Cache Rich Drug Task Force that uncovered evidence of methamphetamine and psilocybin mushrooms, according to a report published September 25.
Eric Edwing Renderos, 34, is currently on parole for other drug-related felonies and is facing multiple felony charges related to the discovery.
According to a probable cause statement, investigators had been observing Renderos traveling to North Salt Lake or Salt Lake City to obtain methamphetamine. On Wednesday, agents executed a search warrant for his home and monitored him as he returned to Cache County.
Investigators stated that Renderos eventually left his vehicle at a Logan address that was not his own before walking on foot. Law enforcement located and took Renderos into custody in the area. A urine analysis required by the search warrant indicated a positive result for both meth and amphetamines.
During questioning, Renderos indicated that he injects methamphetamine, a claim corroborated by the discovery of a single hypodermic syringe in a closet at his apartment.
A drug dog conducted a free air sniff of a vehicle near Renderos' apartment that he was known to drive, and the K-9 indicated a positive result. A subsequent search warrant for that vehicle led investigators to find approximately a quarter pound of psilocybin mushrooms.
While Renderos initially denied owning or operating the vehicle, investigators noted a car key was found in his apartment. Investigators stated the quantity of mushrooms found was more than what is typically possessed for personal use.
Based on the quantity of mushrooms and surveillance of movement over several weeks—which included numerous short stops at addresses known to be occupied by drug users—investigators believe the mushrooms were possessed with the intent to distribute.
Renderos faces one count of possession with intention to distribute schedule I and II substances with a prior conviction, which is a first-degree felony. He also faces two counts of possession of schedule I and II substances, both classified as third-degree felonies.
Renderos is being held at the Cache County Jail without bail. His initial appearance before a judge occurred on Friday morning, September 27.
The investigation was conducted by the Cache Rich Drug Task Force.
