Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 / 8:15 a.m.

INCIDENT: Search Warrants – Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation

LOCATION: 34982 Daggett-Yermo Rd., Daggett / 35008 Daggett-Yermo Rd., Daggett

SUSPECT(S): Bounlay Mounemerk, age 43, Transient / Samarn Phrakousonh, age 69, Daggett resident / Lile Nivongsa, age 68, Wisconsin resident / Sounthone Phrakousonh, age 36, Wisconsin resident / Peter Phrakousonh, age 34, Wisconsin resident / Sabrina Antoiaette, age 38, Wisconsin resident

SUMMARY:
Members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), Hesperia Sheriff’s Station Gang Unit and deputies from the Barstow Sheriff’s Station served search warrants at a the above properties in the High Desert community of Daggett. The locations are adjacent to each other and each had large outdoor marijuana cultivations occurring on them. Investigators determined the marijuana cultivation operations were illegal and not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws and the County of San Bernardino ordinance prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivation.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 1,100 marijuana plants totaling over 2,000 pounds in weight. Over 100 pounds of recently harvested marijuana was also seized. The large amount of marijuana found and other evidence seized at the location suggests the suspects had no intention of abiding by California’s medical marijuana laws or local ordinances relating to growing marijuana for medical purposes. Bounlay Mounemerk was detained by deputies after fleeing on foot when the deputies arrived at location #1. The other suspect were detained by deputies at location #2.

The suspects were arrested and booked into the Barstow jail. They will be charged with Cultivation of Marijuana with bail amounts set from $25,000 to $225,000.

The County of San Bernardino has an ordinance prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivations. The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California marijuana laws as well as the San Bernardino County Ordinances regarding marijuana cultivation and distribution. Persons found to be violating state marijuana laws and/or county ordinances are subject to fines, prosecution and seizure of property.

Anyone with information regarding the above investigations or other illegal cultivation locations is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)890-4840. 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 Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs
Case/DR: 621600191 / 621600192
Phone No. (909)387-3700
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department