Full Notification

DATE/TIME: August 31, 2018, at 7:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: Search Warrants - Outdoor Marijuana Grow
LOCATION: Lucerne Valley

SUMMARY:
On Friday, August 31, 2018, at 7:00 a.m., investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Marijuana Enforcement Team, and deputies from the Victor Valley Station, began serving four search warrants at residences in the unincorporated community of Lucerne Valley. All four locations had outdoor marijuana cultivations on the property. Over 1,996 marijuana plants and 444 pounds of processed marijauna were seized during the service of the search warrants. A total of 23 suspects were arrested at the four locations. 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
9700 block of Midway Avenue
573 marijuana plants were seized
Four suspects arrested:
Nath Sam, 45-year-old male, resident of Lucerne Valley
Keo Long, 36-year-old male, resident of Long Beach
Alex Uy, 64-year-old male, resident of Lucerne Valley
Sokhom Ngoun, 64-year-old female, resident of Lucerne Valley

Location #2
9700 block of Midway Avenue
765 marijauna plants and 82 pounds of processed marijuana were seized
Two suspects arrested:
Helene Chanda, 53-year-old female, resident of Long Beach
Theft Rik, 51-year-old male, resident of Long Beach

Location #3
38800 block of East End Road
215 marijuana plants were seized
One suspect arrested:
Gerald Chance, 66-year-old male, resident of Lucerne Valley

Location #4
9400 block of Blackhawk Trail
443 marijauan plants and 362 pounds of processed marijuana were seized
16 suspects were arrested:
Evelin Farias, 47-year-old female, resident of Delhi
Hermila Madriz, 45-year-old female resident of Atwater
Cecilia Lopez, 28-year-old female, resident of Winton
Roberto Ruiz, 38-year-old male, resident of Winton
Jose Sanchez, 20-year-old male, resident of San Jose
Isidro Mendoza, 32-year-old male, resident of Delhi
Jesus Garibay, 25-year-old mal,e resident of Lucerne Valley
Adriana Madriz, 19-year-old female, resident of Atwater
Mayra Valencia, 24-year-old female, resident of Delhi
Byanca Varez, 23-year-old female, resident of Delhi
Alan Saldana, 23-year-old male, resident of Atwater
Rafael Osualdo, 23-year-old male, resident of San Jose
Jose Aguilar, 18-year-old male, resident of Delhi
Adan Madriz, 27-year-old male, resident of Atwater
Everado Sanchez, 48-year-old male, resident of San Jose
Maria Aguilar, 26-year-old female, resident of Delhi

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: Gangs/Narcotics Division
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
Case No. DR #: 651800394, 651800395, 651800396, and 651800397

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department