Mountain Ranch, CA…On July 23, 2019, members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 1000 block of Hubbard Ln, Sheep Ranch. Investigators found an illegal outdoor marijuana growing operation which resulted in the seizure of 890 marijuana plants and 42.09 pounds of processed marijuana. Kyle Kendall (25 years of age from Mountain Ranch) was arrested at a nearby location and booked into the Calaveras County Jail. He was charged with 11358(c) H&S-Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11366 H&S-Maintaining a Drug House and 11359 H&S (Possession of Marijuana for Sale). Bail was set at $30,000.00.

On July 24, 2019 members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at two properties in the 1000 block of Summit Level Rd, Mountain Ranch. Investigators located outdoor and greenhouse marijuana growing operations which resulted in the seizure of 891 marijuana plants. The suspects were not at the location at the time of the warrant; however, evidence seized from the scene is still being examined and the investigation is ongoing.

On July 25, 2019 members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence and property in the 100 block of Railroad Flat Road in Railroad Flat. Investigators located an outdoor marijuana growing operation which resulted in the seizure of 5,225 marijuana plants. This was the third search warrant served at this property in the last three years. In addition to this investigation, deputies had served warrants in 2017 and 2018. The suspects were not at the location at the time of this warrant; however, evidence seized from the scene is still being examined the investigation is ongoing.

These clandestine growing operations were indicative of illicit commercial operations and were not in compliance with any medical or recreational cultivation. It should be noted that the Marijuana Enforcement Team serves numerous search warrants monthly. During these search warrants, evidence is collected which is used to further the case and overall investigation. The mere fact that no persons were contacted or arrested at some of the locations does not imply that the case is complete. For weeks and/or months following a warrant, the investigation into each site continues. In some cases, charges are referred to the District Attorney at a later date pending the results of evidence testing, interviews, or follow up investigations.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on illegal marijuana cultivation sites or sites manufacturing concentrated cannabis to call the Sheriff’s Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.