Full Notification

DATE/TIME: July 8, 2021, at 7:00 am
 
INCIDENT: Outdoor Marijuana Cultivations
 
LOCATION: #1 - Indian Trails and National Trails Highway, Helendale
                       #2 - 15700 Block of Crouch Road, Helendale
                       #3 - 24400 Block of Ledbury Road, Oro Grande
 
 
SUSPECT(S): Torino Sanchez, 65-year-old male, resident of San Bernardino - location #1
                        Juventino Vallalba, 55-year-old-female, resident of San Bernardino - location #1
                        Ramon Martinez, 41-year-old-male, resident of Mexico - location #3
 
SUMMARY: On Thursday, July 8, 2021, starting at approximately 7:00 am, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), and deputies from several patrol stations,  served search warrants at three locations in the Victor Valley area. MET personnel received numerous complaints about large outdoor marijuana cultivations in the area.  Sheriff's Department personnel located and arrested three suspects.  Investigators seized 3,216 marijuana plants and one rifle. 
 
The investigations revealed the cannabis cultivations were not in compliance with California's Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) and San Bernardino County's ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity.  San Bernardino County has a law prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity, which includes growing marijuana plants outdoors. 
 
The Sheriff's Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California's cannabis laws and San Bernardino County's cannabis cultivation and distribution ordinance.  Persons found guilty of violating the state law and county ordinance are subject to fines, prosecution, and seizure of property. 
 
Property owners who are growing marijuana or are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their properties violate state law, and local ordinances may also be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.  Property owners are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement or code compliance agency to confirm if cultivating cannabis is prohibited or allowed under specific regulations.
 
The suspects were cited on charges of Cultivation of Cannabis; over six plants.
1st photo is of location #1
2nd photo is of location #3 - plants in containers
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff's Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 387-8400 or [email protected]. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave the information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
 
Refer:                     Sheriff's Public Affairs Division
 
Station:                  Gangs/Narcotics Division
 
Phone No.             (909)387-8500
 
Case No.                DR # 652100386
                             DR # 652100388
                             DR # 652100389
 
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department