SANTA ANA, California – A man currently on both state parole and federal supervised release has been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for selling more than one pound of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine.

Matthew Belling, 28, of La Mirada, who goes by the moniker “Miagi,” was arrested this morning by special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

A federal criminal complaint filed last week alleges that Belling sold more than one pound of methamphetamine in a December 2017 drug deal that was captured on surveillance by the DEA and local law enforcement. The complaint charges Belling with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint alleges that Belling set up the drug deal and delivered the drugs to the buyer at a location in Garden Grove. During the drug deal, Belling boasted to the buyer that the drugs he was selling were “real good.”

According to the criminal complaint, Belling has an extensive criminal history, including state felony convictions for attempted murder, possession of marijuana for sale, making/possessing a dangerous weapon, and bringing a controlled substance into a correctional facility. He also has a federal felony conviction for counterfeiting U.S. currency. Belling is also currently on state parole and federal supervised release.

Belling is scheduled to make his initial court appearance in Santa Ana federal court this afternoon.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

If he were to be convicted of the conspiracy count alleged in the complaint, Belling would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and maximum possible sentence of life without parole.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA and the Cypress Police Department.

Component(s): USAO – California, Central

Contact: Thom Mrozek Spokesperson/Public Affairs Officer United States Attorney's Office Central District of California (Los Angeles)

Press Release Number: 18-106     Updated July 5, 2018

Central District of California DOJ /18-106 / July 1, 2018