Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, May 12, 2016 and Friday, May 13, 2016

INCIDENT: Search Warrants – Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation

LOCATION: Unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County-Newberry Springs

SUSPECT(S): *See below for Additional Information*

SUMMARY:
Over a two day period, members from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Enforcement Team, Hesperia Sheriff’s Gang Team and the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force conducted investigations resulting in the service of 11 search warrants at locations in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, in the community of Newberry Springs. The locations were found to have large-scale outdoor marijuana cultivations in unsecured areas. The investigations revealed all of the marijuana cultivation operations were illegal and not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws and/or the County of San Bernardino ordinance banning outdoor marijuana cultivation.

The investigations resulted in total seizures of over 8,700 marijuana plants and over 375 pounds of harvested/processed marijuana. Additionally, investigators will be investigating the apparent malicious and intentional death of a dog found at one of the properties. Investigators believe the dog was drowned in a small lake on the property and its body was left there by the suspects for several days. These suspects have not yet been identified by investigators, but leads are being followed up.

A total of 15 suspects were identified and arrested for violation of the San Bernardino County ordinance prohibiting growing marijuana outdoors or for Cultivation of Marijuana. One of the suspects arrested for the felony section is Khamphou Phommaxaysy. He was arrested and cited for a violation of the County Code last year. Evidence shows he ignored the County Code again and began growing marijuana on his property. He will be charged with (Felony) Cultivation of Marijuana and violation of any probation terms he may have.

The California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force provides support to law enforcement agencies and community based organizations. They are comprised of members of both Army and Air National Guard. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will use resources like the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force in an effort to combat these illegal marijuana cultivations in our desert areas.

The County of San Bernardino has an ordinance in place prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivations and marijuana dispensaries. San Bernardino County Code Enforcement personnel assisted with the cultivation investigations for administrative enforcement of County Code violations. The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California marijuana laws as well as the San Bernardino County Codes regarding marijuana cultivation and distribution. Persons found to be violating state marijuana laws and 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 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.

Locations, Suspects & Charges:

49122 Bedford Road
8 suspects - Bounseg Saensonsay, age 62, Pomona resident / Phiou Phomithisene, age 57, Newberry Springs resident / Manivone Kouthiraj, age 55, Moreno Valley resident / Bounsong Chittam, age 58, Pomona resident / Thonekeo Souvannavong, age 57, Fresno resident / Lam Phay, age 75, Porterville resident / Samone Souvannarinh, age 57, Phoenix, AZ resident / Jack Chittam, age 55, Pomona resident
3,751 marijuana plants
4.5 pounds of processed marijuana
Violation of the County’s ordinance

49190 Bedford Road
1 suspect - Khamphou Phommaxaysy, age 56, Newberry Springs resident
1,199 marijuana plants
323 pounds of harvested/processed marijuana
Violation of the Health & Safety Code (Felony – Cultivation of Marijuana)

44531 Tioga Road
No suspects/arrests made
71 marijuana plants
46 pounds of processed marijuana

33900 Harvard Road
2 suspects - Bounmy Villvong, age 35, Fresno resident / Ma Hongthamaly, age 62, Newberry Springs resident
218 marijuana plants
Violation of the County’s ordinance

49344 Ranch Road
No suspects/arrests made
632 marijuana plants
Violation of the County’s ordinance

49088 Silver Valley Road
No suspects/arrests made
160 marijuana plants
Violation of the County’s ordinance

32478 Fremont Road
3 suspects - Khamkeo Douangdara, age 69, Porterville resident / Tiem Chanthavong, age 58, Porterville resident / Bounhang Inthalangsy, age 37, Fresno resident
782 marijuana plants
Violation of the County’s ordinance / Health & Safety Code (Felony – Cultivation of Marijuana)

46767 Twin Lakes Road
No suspects/arrests made
1,000 marijuana plants
Violation of the County’s ordinance

48077 Palma Vista Road
No suspects/arrests made
924 marijuana plants
Violation of the Health & Safety Code (Felony – Cultivation of Marijuana / Animal Cruelty

34609 Troy Road
No suspects/arrests made
51 marijuana plants
Violation of the County’s ordinance

38590 Hacienda Road
1 suspect - Gregg Woodruff, age 45, Newberry Springs resident
5 pounds of processed marijuana
Violation of the Health & Safety Code (Possession/Distribution, Sales of Marijuana); case to be reviewed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office


Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs
Phone No. (909)387-3700

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department