Full Notification

DATE/TIME: July 16 and 17, 2018, at approximately 7:00 a.m.
 
INCIDENT: Search Warrants - Outdoor Marijuana Grow
 
LOCATION: Helendale
 
SUSPECT(S): Kenneth Chong, 66 year old male resident of Helendale
                        Heidi Chong, 63 year old female resident of Helendale
                        Thomas Ryan, 78 year old male resident of Helendale
                        Jose Marrero, 42 year old male resident of Helendale
                        Jose Astudillo, 54 year old male resident of Helendale
                        Lydia Astudillo, 54 year old female resident of Helendale
 
VICTIM(S):      
 
 
SUMMARY:
On Monday and Tuesday, July 16^th and 17th, beginning at approximately 7:00 a.m., investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Marijuana Enforcement Team served a total of six search warrants at residences in the unincorporated community of Helendale.  All six locations had outdoor marijuana cultivations on the property.  Over 9,100 marijuana plants and 32 pounds of processed marijauna were seized during the service of the search warrants, along with four pistols, one stolen shotgun and two rifles.  Investigators do not believe the locations are linked together.
 
The investigation revealed the marijuana cultivations were not in compliance with California’s Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) and/or San Bernardino County’s ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity.  San Bernardino County has an ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity, which includes growing marijuana plants outdoors.  San Bernardino County Code Enforcement personnel will assist in the notifications to the property owners to make them aware of the violations occurring on their property. 
 
The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California’s cannabis laws, as well as the San Bernardino County’s ordinance regarding cannabis cultivation and distribution.  Persons found guilty of violating the state law and county ordinance are subject to fines, prosecution, and seizure of property. 
 
Property owners who are growing marijuana, or are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their properties, in violation of the state law and local ordinances may also be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.  Property owners are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement or code compliance agency to confirm if cultivating cannabis is prohibited or allowed under specific regulations.
 
Location #1
48200 block of Indian Trail
1,254 marijuana plants, 29.4 pounds of processed marijuana seized and two pistols were seized
Two suspects arrested:
Kenneth Chong, 66 year old male resident of Helendale
Heidi Chong, 63 year old female resident of Helendale
 
Location #2
17500 block of Santa Fe Trail
807 marijauna plants, three pounds of processed marijuana and one pistol were seized
One suspect arrested:
Thomas Ryan, 78 year old male resident of Helendale
 
 
 
 
Location #3
30400 block of Mohave Trail
4,698 marijuana plants were seized
Suspect identification pending
 
Location #4
29400 block of Corral Road
1,643 marijauan plants were seized
Suspect identification pending
 
Location #5
19800 block of Mustang Trail
504 marijuana plants were seized
One suspect arrested:
Jose Marrero, 42 year old male resident of Helendale
 
Location #6
28300 block of Rodeo Road
277 marijuana plants, one shotgun and two rifles were seized
Two suspects arrested:
 Jose Astudillo, 54 year old male resident of Helendale
 Lydia Astudillo, 54 year old female resident of Helendale
 
Anyone with information regarding these investigations or is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)387-8400 or [email protected]. 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.
 
 
 
Refer:                     Sheriff's Public Affairs
 
Station:                       
 
Phone No.             (909)387-3700
 
Case No.                DR #: 651800323
                             DR #: 651800324
                             DR #: 651800327
                             DR #: 651800329
                             DR #: 651800330
                             DR #: 651800331
 
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department