Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Monday, May 2, 2016 / 8:30 a.m.

INCIDENT: Search Warrants – Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation / Child Endangerment

LOCATION: #1)20578 National Trails Highway, unincorporated area of Barstow

SUSPECT(S): #1)Leopoldo Luna, age 46, Barstow resident / #2)Omar Uribe, age 25of Barstow t / #3)Jasmine Pinal, age 26 of Barstow / #4)Maria Pinal, age 60 of Barstow

SUMMARY:
Members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served a search warrant at 20578 National Trails Highway in the unincorporated area of Barstow. Investigators found a large outdoor marijuana cultivation on the property along with the suspects. Additionally, there were two small children, ages 2 and 5 years old, at the location. Investigators determined the marijuana cultivation operation was 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 5,200 marijuana plants. Over 15 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. The parents of the minor children put their children in a situation that may have endangered the safety and health of the children.

Suspects #1 through #3 were arrested and booked into the Barstow jail. They will be charged with Cultivation of Marijuana and Child Endangerment with bail amounts set at $100,000. Suspect #4 was transported to a local hospital because of health issues. An arrest warrant will be requested pending a review of this case by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

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 / 621600236
Phone No. (909)387-3700
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department