Full Notification

On Thursday, June 5, 2014, deputies from the Altadena Sheriff Station’s Summer Violent Crime Enforcement Program (SVCEP) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau conducted a search warrant during the early evening hours on the 500 block of West Palm Street in Altadena. 

Upon execution of the search warrant, Detectives recovered more than 50 live marijuana plants being grown inside the house by an elaborate artificial growing system.  Detectives also recovered two firearms, methamphetamine, and a large amount of items believed to be stolen, such as laptops and other electronic equipment.

Christopher Mesa MH/26 Yrs was arrested for Cultivating Marijuana (11358 HS) and Possession of Marijuana For Sale (11359 HS).  Steven Mesa MH/36 was arrested for an Ex-Felon in Possession of a Firearm (29800(a) PC), Possession of Methamphetamine (11377(a) HS), and Receiving Known/Stolen Property (496 PC).  Jeffery Ortiz MH/29 was arrested for Receiving Known/Stolen Property (496 PC) and additionally charged with several outstanding narcotics related warrants.  Lucero Rodriguez was arrested for Receiving Known/Stolen Property (496 PC) and additionally charged for Possession of Marijuana (11357(b) HS).

All four suspects are still in custody and waiting for their cases to be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on June 9^th, 2014.  Detective Jeff Lohmann is the lead detective in this case and is still trying to locate possible victims to some of the recovered property that is believed to be stolen.