Victor Matias (Atlantic County Justice Facility)
An Egg Harbor Township man who turned his home into a marijuana-growing and manufacturing facility was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Victor Matias, 32, pleaded guilty in March to first-degree maintaining a narcotics production facility, two counts of second-degree possession of a firearm during the course of a drug crime, fourth-degree unlicensed sale of a firearm and second-degree certain person not to possess a firearm.
He was sentenced last week. He must serve at least five years before he is eligible for parole.
Matias could have faced life in prison because of the first-degree charge coupled with his criminal history that dates to 2011, and includes a 2013 unlawful possession of a weapon charge out of Egg Harbor Township that also included marijuana possession, BreakingAC previously reported.
Matias' home in the Townhomes at Cambridge was raided last July, and he was arrested along with Gabrielle Zachodylo, who also lived in the home.
A Glock 19X reported stolen from Texas and loaded with 17 rounds was found in the main bedroom near a holster, according to the affidavit of probable cause, BreakingAC reported at the time.
Matias also had about $1,600 in his wallet believed to be from drug sales.
He insisted to police that the drugs and gun were his, and that Zachodylo never possessed any of it.
The 10 charges against the then-19-year-old woman have been dropped as part of Matias' plea agreement.
As part of his sentence, Matias also must pay restitution for the significant damage caused to the apartment by his conversion of the premises into a marijuana-manufacturing facility.
He has about eight months for time served, after being released at the time of his plea in March.
Matias is now back in the Atlantic County Justice Facility awaiting transfer to state prison.
