By F. Scott Faulkner
SANTA MARIA, CA –– Following a four-month investigation into the activities of 23-year-old Santa Maria resident Jose
Luis Maya, detectives took him into custody on suspicion of conducting illegal marijuana sales to minors.
According to Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department’s Public Information Officer Raquel Zick, the investigation began in January
2025 after a mother contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report that “her child had purchased
nicotine vapes through the Snapchat social media app.”
The ensuing investigation led to the identification of Maya as the owner of the Snapchat account in question.
Digging further into Maya’s online history, detectives determined that Maya actively operated a
marijuana and vape resale business under the username “Mr. Maya,” coordinating deliveries
through Snapchat to “customers he knew to be minors.”
Investigators found that the products had been legally purchased by Maya and then resold at a markup, primarily to underage buyers.
Maya was transported to Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail where he was booked on
multiple charges of selling marijuana to a minor, a felony offense, as well as violating terms of
probation. He is currently being held without bail.
