Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE


Contact: Sgt. Chris Hewitt, Public Information Officer
Release Date: March 14, 2012 Release Time: Immediate
Time: 1400hrs Release Number: 1


Four Arrests Following Search Warrant Service for Marijuana Processing Operation

On March 12, 2012 a search warrant was served at a residence located On McCauley Drive in Valley Springs. The search warrant was the result of an extensive, ongoing investigation into the illegal cultivation and sale of Marijuana. During the search warrant, over 1,700 marijuana plants in various stages of growth and maturity were seized along with over 4.5 pounds of processed marijuana.
Additionally, over ten firearms including one illegal assault rifle with a large drum style magazine were discovered and seized pursuant to the search warrant.

The investigation resulted in two children being placed into protective custody, and the arrest of three persons for the following charges:

Andrew Adams (Age 18 of Valley Springs) Charges:
11358 H&S- Cultivation of Marijuana
11359 H&S-Possession for sale of Marijuana
182 (a)(1)- Criminal Conspiracy

Alicia Pereira (Age 36 of Valley Springs) Charges:
11358 H&S- Cultivation of Marijuana
11359 H&S-Possession for sale of Marijuana
182 (a)(1)- Criminal Conspiracy
273a(a) P.C. –Child Endangerment

Ed Pereira (Age 38 of Valley Springs) Charges:
11358 H&S- Cultivation of Marijuana
11359 H&S-Possession for sale of Marijuana
182 (a)(1)- Criminal Conspiracy
273a(a) P.C. –Child Endangerment
30510 P.C. –Possession of an illegal assault rifle

During a bail hearing on March 14, 2012 for each of the above subjects, bail was set at $800,000 for Alicia Pereira and Andrew Adams, while Ed Pereira’s bail was set at $815,000.

A second search warrant was executed on March 13, 2012 at a residence on Chile Camp Road in Campo Seco. This warrant resulted in the seizure of more than 450 additional marijuana plants and was directly related to persons arrested at the Valley Springs residence.
At the Chile Camp address one person was arrested for outstanding warrants, and his involvement in the case is being investigated. This person was identified as:

Eric Nelson (Age 58 of Lodi)
Outstanding arrest warrant-23152(a) CVC/ 23152(b) CVC, 853.7 P.C.
Driving while intoxicated
Failure to appear

The arrests and search warrant were the culmination of an extensive investigation as a joint effort between the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and the San Joaquin Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force.

On the same date and just prior to the search warrant service in Valley Springs, six persons were arrested for participating in the sale of 100 pounds of processed Marijuana to an undercover Officer, and this activity was related to the Search Warrants within Calaveras County. During these arrests, one person was discovered to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

The investigation and undercover activity by the involved agencies revealed that the arrested persons were cultivating marijuana and selling it in large quantities. At no point during the undercover investigation was there discussion regarding any medical recommendation for the purchase of marijuana, and the 100 pound transaction did not involve medical use and was conducted in a parking lot of a fast food restaurant for the purchase price of $120,000.

No further information will be released at this time. It is anticipated that additional persons may be arrested and/or charged as the investigation continues.