Burson, CA…April 20th, 2022, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation in the 5000 block of Chile Camp Road in Burson. Deputies seized 1,008 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $65,000. The marijuana plants were being cultivated in “hoop house” structures and seedlings were located in an RV Trailer. Additionally, seven firearms were seized, one of which is documented as having been stolen out of Stockton, CA. During the search of the property, numerous roosters and items used in rooster blood sports were located.

Detectives served a second search warrant the same day and, in collaboration with Calaveras County Animal Services and the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office, searched the property for items related to the illegal rooster fighting activities. Over 160 roosters were found to be on site, and each rooster was either banded as evidence or collected. The banded roosters were left on site and will be routinely inspected by law enforcement and animal services pending the disposition of the criminal case.

Francisco Sanchez-Tinajero, age 71 of Burson, was issued a citation on charges of 11358 (c) H&S Illegal Marijuana, 11359 (b) H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale, and 182 (a)(1) PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime.

Maria Concepcion Estrada, age 45 of Burson, was issued a citation on charges of 597b PC Animal Cruelty for Amusement or Gain, 597i PC Possession of Bird Fighting Equipment, 597j PC Possess/Keep/Train Birds for Fighting, and 182 PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime.

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.