On January 22, 2023, Casa Grande Police officers arrested a Mexican Mafia gang member after a traffic stop investigation led to the discovery of a significant number of drugs and weapons in his vehicle.
According to the Casa Grande Police Department, 37-year-old Joey Mata and 45-year-old Breannon Pinkus-Magana were stopped at approximately 8:00 a.m. in the 600 block of East 6th Street in Casa Grande.
The traffic stop investigation led to the discovery and seizure of approximately seven (7) pounds of Methamphetamine, 1.9 grams of Cocaine, 3 loaded handguns, nearly $5K in cash, and a cashier’s check in Pinkus-Magana’s name for $119,000.
Police say Mata is a documented Mexican Mafia gang member, a convicted felon, and has an extensive criminal history. Mata is currently out on bond in Pinal County for Attempted Murder & Participating in a Criminal Street Gang.
Mata also has charges pending in Maricopa County.
Mata was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center and charges of Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Transportation of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Misconduct Involving Weapons, and Money Laundering will be forwarded to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review.
Pinkus-Magana was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center and charges of Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Transportation of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Possession of Narcotic Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misconduct Involving Weapons, and Money Laundering will be forwarded to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review.