HESPERIA, Calif. (news release) – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Marijuana Enforcement Team and deputies from the Hesperia Police Department conducted investigations resulting in the service of three search warrants at residential properties in Hesperia. The investigations revealed marijuana grows that were illegal and not in compliance with California’s medical marijuana law and/or Hesperia’s ordinance prohibiting the cultivation of marijuana.
Thus, over 900 marijuana plants were seized during the service of the search warrants. Investigators don’t believe the locations are linked together.
At Location #1, investigators arrested and cite released two suspects for Cultivation of Marijuana.
At Location #2, investigators will forward the criminal report to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for charges of Cultivation of Marijuana once the suspect(s) are identified.
At Location #3, investigators found the interior of the residence was outfitted to grow marijuana. There was also an illegal electrical bypass allowing for the theft of electricity. The theft of the electricity is estimated to be several thousands of dollars. A total of six dogs, two adult and four puppies, were found abandoned at the residence. Hesperia Animal Control responded to take the dogs to the animal shelter. Personnel from Southern California Edison (SCE) responded to disconnect the main electrical lines powering the residence for safety concerns. The suspect(s) will face charges of Cultivation of Marijuana, Sales of Marijuana and Utility Theft.
The City of Hesperia currently has an ordinance prohibiting the cultivation of marijuana plants. Code Enforcement personnel will assist in the notifications to the owners of the properties to make them aware of the violations occurring on them.
The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California’s medical marijuana law as well as the city’s ordinance regarding marijuana cultivation. Persons found to be in violation of the state marijuana law and local city ordinance are subject to fines, prosecution, and seizure of property. Property owners who are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their rental properties in violation of state law and local ordinances may also be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.
15635 Mission Avenue, Hesperia
88 marijuana plants seized and harvested marijuana plants
Suspect(s): #1) Jose Morales, age 55, resident of Hesperia; #2) Sandra Duarte, age 39, resident of Hesperia
15009 Lime Street, Hesperia
260 marijuana plants
Suspect; Identification pending / DR #651700288
16493 Allthorn Street, Hesperia
640 marijuana plants seized and 34 pounds of processed marijuana
Suspect(s): Identification pending
Anyone with information regarding the above investigations or other illegal marijuana cultivations is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
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