Full Notification

Public Information Release
August 27, 2015
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer



An investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force has resulted in six arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, processed marijuana, marijuana plants, firearms, and US currency.

In July, 2015, narcotics detectives identified and seized over 3,300 outdoor marijuana plants that were concealed within native vegetation on a large land parcel located in the 8000 block of South State Highway 29 in Kelseyville. The marijuana plants were located during routine overflight missions, used to help identify illegal marijuana grow sites.

On August 25, 2015 at approximately 4:30 pm, narcotics detectives served a search warrant at the residence, which was formerly known as Red Lava Wine Tasting. The residence is also located in the 8000 block of South State Highway 29 in Kelseyville. Six subjects fled the scene where approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 9 pounds of processed marijuana, a loaded SKS pistol grip rifle, an unassembled M-4 rifle, and over $80,000 US currency were located.

Five of the subjects that fled were apprehended; one of which was armed with a loaded .38 caliber revolver that he attempted to discard during a foot pursuit. Another subject arrived during the investigation and narcotics detectives determined he was associated with the crime scene and was subsequently arrested.

During a search of the residence, detectives located a room which was being used to cultivate over 100 indoor marijuana plants. They also located a second grow site outside, which contained 38 marijuana plants.

Detectives located approximately $22,000.00 in US currency from two of the suspects who had the cash in their pockets. Approximately $60,000.00 in US currency was located in a vehicle parked at the residence. The US currency was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings.

Detectives estimated that the six pounds of methamphetamine had a street value of over $272,000 in Lake County, when sold in personal use quantities.

41 year old Richard Joseph Gamble of Staten Island New York, 46 year old Prudencio Gerardo Najar-Elias of Santa Rosa, 26 year old Diego Garcia of Ukiah, 25 year old Arnoldo Mendoza-Tellez of Clearlake, 18 year old Jamie Sanchez Ruiz of Los Angeles and 39 year old Javier Guiterrez Torres of Kelseyville were arrested and 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 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.