Full Notification

Public Information Release
August 24, 2012
Sergeant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force Tuesday morning has resulted in five arrests. Narcotic detectives also seized 198 marijuana plants, approximately 20 pounds of processed marijuana, 3 firearms and $53,096.00 for asset forfeiture.

On August 20, 2011 narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for the person and home of 53 year old Ronald Joseph Whitney. On the morning of Tuesday, August 21st at approximately 7:00 am, detectives served the warrant at Whitney’s home which is located in the 24,000 block of Highway 29 in Middletown.

When narcotics detectives approached the property, two subjects ran from the marijuana grow attempting to get away. Narcotics detectives entered the residence and detained five individuals without incident. The subjects detained were Ronald Whitney, 25 year old Aaron Daniel Alexander of Lancaster Pennsylvania, 30 year old Austin David Alexander of Maui Hawaii, 25 year old Aaron Whitney of Middletown and 38 year old Ernest Eldridge Cosse of Middletown.

During a search of the home. Detectives located approximately 20 pounds of processed marijuana, 9 ounces of concentrated cannabis, 37 growing marijuana plants inside the garage and 3 firearms. Detectives seized a total of $53,096.00 in cash, which were located in three different safes, inside the residence. Detectives also located a digital scale, packaging materials and illegal fireworks. Outside the residence, detectives located 95 marijuana plants inside 3 light depravation green houses and 66 marijuana plants growing in various areas outside.

Ronald Whitney told detectives that he was growing the marijuana for a dispensary called “Mary Jane” which is located in the Los Angeles area. He also said that he was diverting water from the creek to water his plants. Ronald Whitney believed the water in the creek belonged to him, because the creek runs through his property.

Ronald Whitney was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, being armed while in the commission of a felony and possession of illegal fireworks. Aaron Alexander was arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Austin Alexander was arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Aaron Whitney was arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale and Ernest Cosse was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and being armed while in the commission of a felony. All of the 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