Full Notification

Public Information Release
July 3, 2014
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


The service of three search warrants has resulted in four arrests and the seizure of marijuana and 61 firearms.

On June 27, 2014 at approximately 7:30 am, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force served a search warrant for three properties located in the 14000 block of Elk Mountain Road in Upper Lake. Additionally, a residence located in the 5000 block of Eickhoff Road in Lakeport was secured under the same search warrant and searched. The search warrant was regarding large scale marijuana cultivation operations. All of the locations were owned or associated with 33 year old Justin Jones of Upper Lake and his mother, 61 year old Nadine Louise Whitworth, of Lakeport.

Upon arrival at the Upper Lake properties, detective located and detained Justin Jones without incident. During a search of the Upper Lake locations, detectives located and eradicated a total of 122 marijuana plants. They also located and seized numerous items of evidence, indicating illegal sales of marijuana. Located inside a false wall detectives located and seized hundreds of illegal firearm components, which included high capacity magazines for assault weapons. The components were purchased from out of state vendors and imported into California. Inside a safe detectives located documents showing Justin Jones is the treasurer of the Lake County Green Farmers / Lake County Farmers Association. This association is known in the community to promote pro-medical marijuana laws.

During a search of the three Upper Lake properties, detectives obtained evidence that 33 year old Andrew Timothy Chilton was living in one of the residences. Chilton was reportedly renting one of the residences from Nadine Whitworth and was involved in cultivating marijuana with both Whitworth and Jones.

Upon arrival at the Eickhoff residence, detectives located and detained 61 year old Nadine Whitworth and 64 year old Thomas Michael Whitworth without incident. During a search of the property detectives located 95 marijuana plants which they eradicated. They also located approximately 30 pounds of processed marijuana and 11 firearms which were seized as evidence. Inside the residence, detectives located $4,500.00 cash which was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned of two additional addresses located in the 12000 block of Elk Mountain Road in Upper Lake, which were associated with Jones. Both of the properties were reported to be owned by Patricia McIvor, who is Justin Jones’ grandmother. At these addresses, detectives located and eradicated an additional 48 marijuana plants. They also located a .22 caliber firearm which was seized as evidence.

The investigation led detectives to an address located in the 4000 block of Lakeshore Boulevard in Lakeport, which is occupied by McIvor. A search warrant was obtained and served at the Lakeshore address. During the search detectives located 50 assault weapons, which included four .50 caliber BMG rifles, AK-47 rifles, AR-15 type rifles and a large number of parts used for the manufacture and assembly of assault weapons. Based on the evidence, all of the firearms located belonged to Justin Jones and were seized as evidence.

Justin Jones was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of high capacity magazines, armed while in the commission of a felony, possession of an assault weapon and importing / manufacturing assault weapons. Nadine and Thomas Whitworth were arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and for being armed while in the commission of a felony. Andrew Chilton was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and for being armed in the commission of a felony. All four subjects were 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.