Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Marijuana Cultivation/ Arrests
Report Number: 152001504
Location: Saddlebow Road/ Hackamore Lane, Bell Canyon, Ca
4000 block of Canoga Drive, Woodland Hills, Ca
Date & Time: 7/15/2015, 1715 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Eastman, Michael Moorpark 29
(S) Morales, Anthony Sylmar 29
(S) Ghobrial, Jonathan West Hills 22

Narrative:
Detectives with the Sheriff's Narcotics Unit concluded a month long investigation of a Moorpark resident, Michael Eastman, who was cultivating marijuana inside a residence in the exclusive gated community of Bell Canyon.

The investigation was initiated a month ago by a Sheriff’s patrol deputy who responded to the residence for a call for service. While at the residence, the deputy noticed indicators the residence was possibly being used to cultivate marijuana. Narcotics detectives conducted an investigation and as a result, they were able to obtain a search warrant to search the residence.

On 7/15/2015, Detectives observed Eastman leaving a residence located on Hackamore Lane in Bell Canyon. Eastman left the location in a vehicle along with Anthony Morales and Jonathan Ghobrial. Deputies with the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Team stopped Eastman’s vehicle and detained all three subjects while detectives executed the search warrant on the Saddlebow Road residence.

Detectives located an active marijuana cultivation operation inside the house. The cultivation consisted of a sophisticated growing system that included over 200 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Detectives also located various locations inside the residence that were being used to dry the harvested marijuana.

Based on the investigation, detectives went to the residence on Hackamore Lane where they observed all three subjects leaving prior to being detained. They entered the residence and secured it pending the service of a search warrant. Once a search warrant was obtained, detectives located another active marijuana cultivation inside this residence. Over 250 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized from this location.

Eastman, Morales and Ghobrial were arrested for conspiracy and cultivation of marijuana. They were transported to the East Valley Sheriff’s Station where they were booked into jail. Eastman and Morales posted $20,000 bail and are scheduled for arraignment on 7/30/2015. Ghobrial is scheduled to appear in court on 7/17/2015. His bail is set at $20,000.

Detectives continued their investigation and based on information gathered at the Saddlebow Road and Hackamore Lane residences, detectives were able to identify a third residence being used to cultivate marijuana.

On 7/16/2015, Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives and deputies with the Directed Enforcement Team served a search warrant at a residence located on the 4000 block of Canoga Drive in the city of Woodland Hills. Just like the other locations, there was an active grow operation with over 200 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

All three residences had minimal living quarters and little to no appliances. Bedrooms and garages had been converted to growing or drying rooms. These locations were mainly being utilized for the growing and harvesting of marijuana.

At this time, additional charges are being considered for all three subjects.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jose Rivera
News Release Date: 7/17/2015
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jose Rivera, [email protected] 805-797-6341
Approved by: Captain C. Rothschiller

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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