The Zion Times

By Sachet A. Sullivan | The Zion Times
A Cedar City man is behind bars after a drug task force raid early Wednesday morning led to the discovery of an alleged psychedelic mushroom lab and unsecured firearms. Court records indicate the suspect has an extensive criminal history, including a prior case which involved criminal homicide.

Matthew Joseph Metcalf, 45, was arrested yesterday morning and booked on 13 felony charges following a search of his property. The charges include operating a clandestine lab, drug distribution, and possession of firearms by a restricted person.

According to court documents filed in 5th District Court, agents with the Iron-Garfield-Beaver Narcotics Task Force had been conducting a firearms investigation over the past few months. During the course of the investigation, agents reportedly seized a phone that led them to Metcalf. In the phone, investigators allegedly witnessed text messages from Metcalf’s number indicating he was distributing psychedelic mushrooms.

The search of the phone reportedly revealed text messages with photos showing mushrooms in various stages of cultivation — including one image of a single mushroom allegedly weighing 14 ounces. Images of mushrooms growing in large clear containers were also reportedly found in the text messages with Metcalf.

Following the search of the seized phone, agents reportedly conducted a records check on Metcalf which revealed multiple prior charges including a past criminal conviction for aggravated robbery as well as a case involving aggravated assault and criminal homicide.

While the task force was conducting their investigation, they received information from a confidential informant who claimed he had been buying mushrooms from a third party who had allegedly been buying them from Metcalf for several years. Another informant reportedly told Agents, Metcalf had a known history of selling mushrooms, marijuana and steroids.

Due to Metcalf’s reported criminal history, the drug task force requested help from the Iron Metro SWAT team and executed a search warrant on his home. While searching the home, investigators allegedly found a locked, hidden basement room that was reportedly outfitted with lighting, soil bins, spore syringes and other gear used to grow psychedelic mushrooms.

“Inside the basement, a small hidden dark room had a wooden door which had a padlock on it. Inside, a clandestine laboratory was found which was growing psilocybin mushrooms” the affidavit states. 

Agents also allegedly found mushroom grow jars and liquid cultures inside a mini fridge, with old mushroom material reportedly tossed in a nearby trash can outside the hidden room.

Outside the main residence, agents say they recovered 10 rifles and a handgun from a detached shed converted into a bedroom that Metcalf’s brother was reportedly staying in. Investigators allegedly found multiple unsecured firearms displayed openly throughout the room, including on the walls and in the corners. Additionally, ammunition was also allegedly found throughout the room.

While “agents and SWAT snipers” were conducting surveillance on Metcalf prior to the raid, they reportedly witnessed him “accessing and entering the converted shed room at his freewill”, the court records state.

Due to prior felony convictions, Metcalf is legally barred from possessing or being around firearms. According to the affidavit, Metcalf reportedly served six years in the state prison for a previous criminal conviction.

Metcalf is also accused of endangering two juveniles who were reportedly living in a bedroom next to the clandestine lab. 

An independent review conducted by The Zion Times revealed some of Metcalf’s previous criminal charges included attempted criminal homicide as well as aggravated robbery. Metcalf was also previously charged with multiple other felonies including theft, burglary of a vehicle and aggravated assault, though, most of those charges were later dismissed.

Metcalf faces one first-degree felony for the operation of a clandestine laboratory and 12 third-degree felonies for child endangerment, prohibited dangerous weapon conduct and distribution of a controlled substance. 

Authorities are asking that Metcalf remain in custody, citing his prior violent convictions and the potential risk he poses to the community.

INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.