Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Marijuana Sales and Money Laundering Arrests
Report Number: 11-16986 and 11-22568
Location: Sherman Oaks and Camarillo
Date & Time: October 6, 2011 9:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and Ventura County Combined Agency Team
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Garner, Bleau
Welsh, Edward
Dallape, Michael
Sherman Oaks
Camarillo
Camarillo 33
52
20
Narrative:
A three-month investigation by narcotics detectives from the Sheriff’s West County Narcotic Street Team and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of three suspects for sales of marijuana and financial crimes. The Ventura County Combined Agency Team conducted the investigation after receiving information the individuals had formed an illegal marijuana mobile sales operation outside of the guidelines and protections of the 1996 Compassionate Use Act and the 2003 Medical Marijuana Program Act.

The investigation concluded with the arrests of 33-year old Sherman Oaks resident Bleau Garner, 52-year old Camarillo resident Edward “Ned” Welsh, and 20-year old Camarillo resident Michael Dallape.

Garner was arrested for sales of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and conspiracy. Garner was the “owner” of the Ventura County Community Collective and was responsible for coordinating the sales of marijuana in Ventura County using a mobile delivery method. Garner posted bail of $25,000 and is scheduled to be arraigned on 10/14/11.

Welsh was arrested for two counts of money laundering, sales of marijuana, and conspiracy. Welsh, a former real estate agent and current mortgage broker, is suspected of setting up a bank account in the name of an unrelated non-profit corporation called the “Ventura County Community Patient Resource Center” and then laundering money from the sales of marijuana from the “Ventura County Community Collective” through the financial institution. Welsh remains in custody and is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on 10/11/11.
Dallape was arrested for sales of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and conspiracy. Dallape was a “dispatcher” for the illegal operation and coordinated day-to-day sales of marijuana. Dallape remains in custody and is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on 10/11/11.



Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sgt. Mike Horne
Media Release Date: October 9, 2011
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Mike Horne (805) 388-8712
Approved by: Captain Dave Murray

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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