Chantelle Pearse pleads guilty in court to trafficking ice after involvement in alleged plot to exchange of drugs and gun

A Seymour woman has been busted as a major player trafficking ice between two parties who were exchanging an allegedly stolen handgun for drugs and cash, a court has heard.

Chantelle Pearse pleaded guilty to trafficking meth, and recklessly and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

A Seymour woman has been busted for her part in an elaborate scheme to exchange an allegedly stolen handgun for drugs and money, a court has heard.

Chantelle Pearse appeared in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on September 10 where

she pleaded guilty to trafficking meth, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.

On November 4, 2023, two men – Joseph Mazzeo and another man – who were known to Pearse, were allegedly looking to score drugs and money, and knew that Pearse was in the drug dealing game.

Police allege Mr Mazzeo, 54, knew his neighbour was the owner of a handgun and he had been away for a while.

Mr Mazzeo and his mate allegedly stole the handgun owned by his neighbour and then allegedly organised an exchange with Pearse to hand over the gun for drugs and money.

The court heard Pearse organised for two men to drive from Point Cook to Seymour to purchase the gun.

An allegedly stolen handgun was traded for drugs and money.

Mr Mazzeo attended Pearse’s address with the other man and the Point Cook men arrived five minutes later.

Once they had arrived, an agreement was allegedly reached – Mr Mazzeo and his mate allegedly would receive 28g or one ounce of ice, valued at $5000, and $200 in cash for the gun.

The court heard Pearse’s involvement in the incident was a step up from her prior offending.

The court also heard that Pearse had prior convictions in relation to drug and dishonesty matters.

The prosecution submitted that a jail term would suffice for Pearse’s offending.

The court heard the offending was planned and deliberate and was executed over a number of hours.

Pearse, who was supported by family in court, will be sentenced on September 24.

Mr Mazzeo, who did not turn up to court for his own hearing, will next face court on September 24 after the court heard he missed his bus from Seymour en route to the courthouse.

Mr Mazzeo’s bail was extended by Magistrate Olivia Trumble.