Full Notification

Public Information Release
June 16, 2014
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


The service of a search warrant has resulted in two arrests and the seizure 520 pounds of processed marijuana.

On June 6, 2014 narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for a residence located in the 7000 block of Smith Ranch Road in Kelseyville. On June 12, 2014 at approximately 7:35 am, detectives served the warrant at the aforementioned address. They located and detained 28 year old Ryan Christopher Agler and 30 year old Joseph Paxton Kestler who both reside at the residence, without incident.

During the search detectives located and eradicated 105 marijuana plants, which were growing inside a large hoop style greenhouse. They also located and eradicated 55 marijuana plants, which were growing outside. During a search of the residence and a guest house, detectives located and seized approximately 520 pounds of processed marijuana. The processed marijuana was stored inside several plastic bins and approximately 10 large plastic garbage bags. During a search of Agler’s bedroom, detectives located a small amount of Methadone and Hydromorphone pills, which were seized as evidence.

Agler told detectives that he works for a collective and was employed as their grower. He was unable to tell detectives how much money he was getting paid. He was also unable to remember how much it was costing him to rent the property. Detectives asked Agler about the large amount of processed marijuana they had located. Agler said he just bags it up and leaves it lying around. He was unable to tell the detectives what he was going to do with such a large amount of processed marijuana.

Agler was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale and for cultivating marijuana. Kestler was arrested for possession of marijuana for sale and for cultivating marijuana. They were both transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for the asset forfeiture whenever possible. Anyone with information that can assist the Task Force with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663.