On June 18, 2015, the Los Banos Police Department in cooperation with the Merced Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force, and Merced Gang Task Force served three search warrants related to indoor marijuana growing operations in the City of Los Banos.
Lead Investigator in the case, Officer Marcelino Cortez discovered three sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operations; one at a residence in the 1600 block of Hemlock Drive, and the others at a residences in the 100 block of Sherry Court and 300 block of N. Santa Paula Street.
Police seized over two million dollars in unprocessed marijuana plants, and another 575 grams of processed marijuana ready for sell.
Hoang Le, 49 and Tuan Anh Le, 31 were arrested in connection with the growing operation in the 1600 block of Hemlock Drive. Ronald Frank Demario, 29 was arrested at the illegal marijuana grow in the 100 block of Sherry Court. The three men arrested were charged with theft of utility services and illegal cultivation of marijuana.
No suspects were found at the home in the 300 block of N. Santa Paula Street and the investigation is ongoing.
“These elaborate growing operations create a significant risk to public safety in the form of fire hazards and drawing unsavory characters to the neighborhood. They are notoriously attractive to other criminals looking to cash in, and that’s why we sometimes find growers at the locations protecting their investment."
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander
Hoang Le remains in custody without bail. Tuan Anh Lee remains in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail, and Ronald Frank Demario has posted bail in the amount of $20,000.
Anyone with information regarding these growing operations or other crimes is encouraged to contact the Los Banos Police Department (209) 827-7070, extension “0” or Merced Area Crime Stoppers at 1-855-725-2420.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call (209) 827-7070 ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet, you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page, simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or contact the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1(855) 725-2420 or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.
www.losbanos.org
