Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 27, 2018

INCIDENT: Search Warrant- Indoor Marijuana Grow/ Utility Theft

LOCATION: 4000 Block of Coast Oak Circle, Chino Hills

SUSPECT(S): ID Pending

VICTIM(S): Confidential

SUMMARY:

The Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) and deputies assigned to the Chino Hills Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in Chino Hills for the illegal cultivation of marijuana.

Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department received a tip from a rental property management company regarding suspicious activity at the residence. Investigators began their investigation and discovered evidence of an illegal indoor marijuana grow. A search warrant was served at the residence uncovering approximately 439 marijuana plants. Evidence of utility theft was also found at the grow house. Personnel from Southern California Edison responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and to disconnect electrical services at the residence for public safety. Often, suspects involved in the illicit growing of marijuana will bypass the utility company’s meter to steal electrical service and to prevent detection by law enforcement or the utility company. This dangerous practice is illegal and will frequently result in a house fire, due to the unpermitted methods used by criminals to steal electricity.

Several investigations have revealed that rental properties are commonly used by tenants to illegally grow marijuana. Tenants and the owners of rental properties should check with their local city code enforcement or law enforcement agency regarding laws and regulations related to marijuana grows.

Large-scale marijuana growing operations in the residential areas of Chino Hills are not permitted and are illegal.

Chino Hills Municipal Code regarding marijuana activity is below:

https://library.municode.com/ca/chino_hills/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT5BULIRE_CH5.28MA_5.28.020COMAACRO

Once the suspect(s) are identified, the investigation/reports will be sent to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review regarding criminal charges against the suspect(s). They will face charges of Utility Theft, Maintaining a Drug House and Cultivation of Marijuana.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs / Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. 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 WeTip.

Refer: Public Affairs

Station: Chino Hills Police Department

Phone No. (909) 387-3700

Case No. 651800435

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