San Andreas, CA…On May 26 and May 28, 2020, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served three search warrants for illegal marijuana cultivation in the areas of Railroad Flat and Angels Camp.

On May 26th, Deputies served a search warrant on a site located in the 400 block of Ridge Road in Railroad Flat. The search warrant was the third search warrant at this location since 2017. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, it is believed that at least one suspect fled the area on foot. Deputies seized 421 growing marijuana plants and a small amount of processed marijuana. Extensive evidence was collected from the scene, and the investigation is continuing.
Also, on May 26th, Deputies served an unrelated search warrant on a site located in the 3000 block of Independence Road in Railroad Flat. Deputies seized 454 growing marijuana plants. No suspects were contacted at these scenes; however, evidence was collected, and the investigation is ongoing.

On May 28th, a third unrelated search warrant was served in the 3000 block of Paint Road in rural Angels Camp. Deputies seized 1,944 marijuana plants and evidence of a butane honey oil (BHO) extraction operation. Drug paraphernalia was located and taken as evidence. Additionally, Deputies discovered processed marijuana, nearly a pound of concentrated marijuana extract (Honey Oil), and 31 firearms. Four of the firearms fit the legal description of being assault weapons. One handgun was later determined to be stolen. All weapons and drugs were taken and booked into evidence.

Evidence of a firearm manufacturing operation was discovered and seized from this location. Deputies located 11 AR-15 style “Lowers,” which did not contain serial numbers and were not commercially manufactured. Additionally, 28 high capacity magazines, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, and a sword were seized. Two suspects were arrested at the scene.

John Manuel Cortez (age 44 of Angels Camp) was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of 29800 PC Felon in Possession of Firearms, 182 PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime, 11366 HS Maintaining a Drug House, 30305 (a) (1) PC Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition. The charge of a felon possession of a firearm disqualified Cortez for release per the Covid-19 judicial order. He is being held with a bail of $35,000.00

Christopher Sanchez (age 44 of Angels Camp) was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of 11358 HS Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 HS Possession of Marijuana for Sale, 11366 HS Maintaining a Drug House, 30600 PC Illegal Manufacturing of Assault Weapons, 496 (A) PC Receive Known Stolen Property with Value Over $950, 32310 PC Possession of High Capacity Magazines, 30605 PC Illegal Possession of Assault Weapons. Due to the Covid-19 judicial order, Sanchez was booked and released with a citation to appear in court.

The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with knowledge of illegal marijuana operations to call the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.