Tag Archives: Marijuana Grow Operations

Indoor Marijuana Cultivation Warrants

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Members of the Jurupa Valley Station’s Special Enforcement Teams (SET) representing the cities of Jurupa Valley and Eastvale have been aggressively targeting illegal indoor marijuana grows throughout the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley in 2019.

On October 30, 2019, at 7:00 AM, members from the Jurupa Valley station’s SET with the assistance of Region 7 Gang Task Force, investigators and deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station conducted marijuana eradication search warrants at the direction of Sheriff Chad Bianco. They served seven residential search warrants within the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley. 

Deputies recovered a total amount of 5,570 marijuana plants. The estimated combined full harvest street value was $11,140,000. Also, a combined theft of electrical utilities from the residences worth $583,200. Jurupa Valley and Eastvale Cities Code Enforcement were summoned to the locations and they conducted their own separate investigations into various building code violations.

The following subjects were arrested for illegal marijuana cultivation and possession with intent to sell and theft of utilities. Subsequently, they were booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center:

  1. Yang, Song, 32-year old resident of the city of Eastvale.
  2. Liu, FangMeng, 29-year old resident of the city of Eastvale.
  3. Xu, Qu, 35-year old resident of the city of Eastvale.
  4. Tan, Zhongchao, 35-year old resident of the city of San Gabriel.
  5. Chen, Chaoming, 48-year old resident of the city of Eastvale.
  6. Wu, Zeling, 38-year old resident of the city of Eastvale.
  7. Chen, Yuping, 28-year old resident of the city of Eastvale.
  8. Xu, Riko, 36-year old resident of the city of West Covina.
  9. Lin, Xinxing, 53-year old resident of China.

Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to call Deputies Hughes and Boggs at the Jurupa Valley Station, 951-955-2600.

EASTVALE: Why So Many Eastvale Pot Houses?

Plants seized during an investigation in February 2014. Picture courtesy of Eastvale Police Dept.

Plants seized during an investigation in February 2014. Picture courtesy of Eastvale Police Dept.

By Jennifer Madrigal

Eastvale – In the last few years, more than 50 marijuana grow houses have been located, investigated and ultimately shut down by the work of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team. Many of these houses were located with the assistance of the community, who have listened and followed the “How to Spot a Marijuana House” tips and diligently called in their suspicions to the Sheriff. So while it may seem to the public that Eastvale has been inundated with “drug houses and crime”, that really is not the case.

What makes a marijuana grow house, and how do they keep ending up in our community? This is one of the most commonly asked questions with one of the simplest answers: size and availability. Eastvale has a multitude of large homes, and with the economic downturn, many of these homes were left abandoned or were quickly purchased by investors. Unfortunately, a lot of these owners didn’t take the time to do the proper background checks on tenants or follow up with property checks, to ensure that their homes were being used properly. According to Sergeant Davis of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, “Often after a bust, when we try to locate the renters (if they were not there and arrested at the time) we find that the owners were given inaccurate paperwork, fake identifications and were paid in cash. As a result, the trail goes cold.” The actual homeowners are then responsible to pay for all the damages done to these homes. As Davis describes, “These homes get ruined inside with mold and water damage and an absolute disregard for the property”.

The large Eastvale houses enable the full process of marijuana cultivation to occur because there is sufficient space. According to the Assistant Police Chief of Eastvale, Lieutenant Mike Yates, the homes in Eastvale have the room to run the entire operation. “There are even a few guys that were setting up these houses to prepare them to become grow houses by circumventing the electricity and thus providing the processors with a ‘pre-made’ facility,” he says. Bypassing the electricity causes an extreme fire hazard, which was witnessed firsthand when a property on Craigburn Circle in Eastvale caught on fire and was later discovered to house over 1,100 marijuana plants. Besides being a fire and safety hazard, the circumventing of the electricity also robs Edison of thousands of dollars in stolen electricity and destroys the house. The electronics inside the walls of the home are ripped out by cutting into the dry wall. The criminals rip open the plastic and tap into the electric system, basically running their own electric panels and bypassing the original system. According to Davis, it’s difficult for Edison to spot these low or non-using homes because the grid is so large, and so many of these homes are on solar power and using very little electricity, or are abandoned or for sale.

The process of tracking down these houses, identifying and confirming them, and ultimately shutting them down, is something that the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team has gotten pretty good at doing. Sergeant Davis explained how he was fortunate enough to go on a ride-along with two set team officers who have a unique way of finding these grow houses – with their noses. They basically drive around with their windows open and are able to smell the marijuana. They then narrow down the smell to a few houses and call Edison to check the grid for bypass possibility. Sure enough, they have been correct. Search warrants have been issued and houses have ultimately been busted.

But what happens to the criminals after the bust? Are they being prosecuted, and where are they coming from? Yates has noticed that many of the suspects are from the San Gabriel Valley and cities like Monterey and Alhambra are drawn to Eastvale by the size of the homes and because, “there simply is enough space to house an entire operation”. Many different people are involved in each house and they often can be seen coming and going. While a house is being investigated and activity is being monitored, every effort to catch the criminals in “the act” is made. Davis explains that if the suspects are in the house during the bust, they are arrested and the case is turned over to the DA for prosecution. However, if they are not in the home, an investigation is continued to try and locate suspects; but when owners are not aware of who is really renting it becomes difficult. When they are found and arrested, suspects are being prosecuted for felonies and doing jail time – suspects like family members Vinh Cuomg and John Hoa Tran, who were both arrested on Jan. 14 for cultivating marijuana at an Eastvale home on Iris Court. Officers seized 398 marijuana plants, five pounds of processed marijuana and packaging material. Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $6,000 a month in stolen electricity. Both were charged with felony counts of marijuana cultivation, denied probation, and are awaiting sentencing.

So while the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team continues to canvas neighborhoods looking for these houses and driving them out of our community, Sergeant Davis wants the community to know that they all appreciate the diligence of the Eastvale citizens in calling in tips and being aware. With a community as savvy in social media as Eastvale is, and with the commitment of its citizens to maintaining a safer community, hopefully these marijuana houses will soon become a trend of the past.

 

Eastvale: Crime Recap

STAFF REPORTS

 Eastvale -– The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Eastvale, and eyewitnesses throughout the community. Here is a recap of the local crime for last month.

Crime ImageOn Tuesday, Feb. 25, a search warrant was obtained at the 6400 block of Gold Dust St., Eastvale, where Eastvale Police seized 921 marijuana plants, one pound of processed marijuana and packaging material. Yongchao Huang, 32, of San Gabriel, was arrested for cultivation of marijuana and grand theft of utilities. He is accused of bypassing the home’s electricity meter, stealing about $7,600 worth of energy per month and causing a serious fire hazard.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Officer Javier Morando at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

On Feb. 19, at around 7:45 a.m., a 17-year-old female was struck by an oncoming vehicle while riding her bike eastbound on the north side of Citrus St.  Fortunately, the victim was able to walk away with only a scraped knee. The vehicle that struck the victim and fled the scene was reported to be a silver Volkswagen, according to eyewitnesses. When the suspect fled the scene, a witness followed the suspect’s vehicle and contacted the Eastvale Police Department. However, deputies were unable to identify the vehicle when they arrived. They are asking the community to contact the Eastvale Police at (951) 776-1099 if they see a silver Volkswagen with damage to the front or side.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Julie Kalberg, 34, of Eastvale, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, felony abuse and child engagement in Riverside Superior Court. Kalberg was convicted after she babysat 1-year old, Caitlyn Jolley, in her Eastvale home on Elias Street back on April 30, 2010. She was reportedly a friend of the Jolley family and had previously babysat for them. The child was injured and taken to a Corona hospital where she was reportedly found to have major head trauma and signs of shaken-baby syndrome.  The results of the medical examination led to the arrest of Kalberg the following day.  Jolley was transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center for more advanced care; however, she died four days later as a result of her injuries. On Feb. 13, after the jury deliberated for two days, Kalberg was found guilty of causing the fatal injuries.  Kalberg has been held at the Robert Presley Detention Center for the last four years.  At her hearing on Feb. 28, she was sentenced to time served and the court did not impose any additional jail time.

On Monday, Feb. 10, at 6:25 p.m., the Eastvale Fire Department responded to a home fire in the 12000 block of Craigburn Circle in Eastvale. The fire was extinguished and the Eastvale Fire Department discovered that the residence contained an indoor marijuana grow operation.  A search warrant was obtained and served by officers assigned to Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team.  Officers were able to seize 1,103 marijuana plants and 35 lbs of processed marijuana. Electricity was also being bypassed around the meter, which may have been the cause of the fire.  Anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Officer Javier Morando at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

Over the last several months, there have been several incidents of graffiti at Orchard Park located at 5900 Festival Way in Eastvale, and the surrounding neighborhood near the park, according to the City of Eastvale.  Sheriff’s reports state that spray paint and markers were used to deface property at Orchard Park, including the toys at the playground.  Deputy Avila, who is assigned to patrol the parks in the City of Eastvale, began an investigation regarding the graffiti. On Feb. 6, at 4:55 p.m., after several leads, Deputy Avila received information that a juvenile was seen at the Eastvale Community Center with graffiti on his backpack. The juvenile, who is a 14-year old resident of Eastvale, was contacted while riding his bike. The graffiti on the juvenile’s backpack matched the graffiti at Orchard Park; therefore, the juvenile was detained.  Several pieces of evidence connecting him to the graffiti were located at his residence. A second juvenile was identified during the investigation, a 17-year old resident of Eastvale.  After searching the juvenile’s residence, additional evidence was located linking the juvenile to the graffiti at Orchard Park and surrounding areas. Both juveniles were arrested for felony vandalism and released into the custody of their parents. The total amount of damage caused by the suspects was $9,192.24. The Jurupa Community Services District will be seeking reimbursement to repair the damage from the juvenile’s parents.  This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Deputy Avila at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 4:58 p.m., Eastvale officers responded to the 6000 block of Wells Springs Street, in Eastvale, where a burglary had occurred and numerous items were taken from inside.  Sheriff’s Deputies obtained information stating a gray Pontiac Grand-Am was used during the commission of the crime. Officers spotted the vehicle driving in the area and a traffic enforcement stop was conducted.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as Victor Saizholguin, a 19-year old Hispanic male from Eastvale. Property belonging to the residence on Wells Springs Street was located inside the Pontiac, as well as additional items of stolen property from at least one other residential burglary.  Saizholguin was arrested for residential burglary, possession of stolen property, and possession of burglary tools.  He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and is being held on $35,000 bail.  Additional suspects are sought and anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Michelle Shamhart at the Eastvale Police Department at (951) 955-2600.

Between November 2013 and January 2014, there have been several incidents involving the theft of amplifiers from cable company boxes within Eastvale and the surrounding areas. These cable boxes are located in most neighborhoods, and the thefts are typically occurring between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.  It is believed the suspects responsible for these thefts may have a professional appearance and may be driving utility trucks.  If you observe individuals working on, or removing parts from these cable boxes, or have information which may assist with the investigation, you are asked to contact your local Law Enforcement agency immediately.  Crime reporting tips should include a description or photo of the suspect vehicle and license plate, description or photo of the suspect(s), direction of travel of the suspect(s) after theft, and determining if the suspect(s) is known to the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact one of the following numbers:  For an in-progress crime, call 911; for a crime in Eastvale, call (951) 955-9240; Jurupa Valley, call (951) 955-2661; and for a crime in Norco, call (951) 270-5673.

Eastvale: Crime Recap

STAFF REPORTS

The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff Department and by residents on our Eastvale News Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Eastvale CommunityNews). One of the ways our Facebook page is used is by informing the community about crimes happening in the City, so we can work together to report suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Department in order to keep crime low. Here is a recap of the local crime last month:

On Jan. 7, a City of Eastvale resident reported that someone went through their side gate to their back yard twice in one week, resulting in their dogs being let loose and a mountain bike stolen from their backyard. Another Eastvale resident suggested that they should always lock their gate to make it more difficult for burglars to come in, since this has happened several times before in Eastvale.

On Jan. 11, at 4:04 p.m., deputies assigned to the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a burglary in progress in the 5800 block of Hamner Avenue, in the City of Eastvale. Deputies arrived within minutes and located a male subject inside of a residence, who appeared to be gathering several pieces of property from inside the residence.  Deputies made several announcements for the subject to exit the residence, but he refused.  A short while later, the male subject exited the residence and attempted to flee the location.  After a brief foot pursuit, the subject was apprehended while attempting to hide in the carport of a nearby residence. The suspect, Adam Barefield, 19, a transient from Eastvale, was arrested for burglary and resisting an officer as well as for an outstanding felony warrant for burglary and was later booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center.

On Jan. 13, at around 9:30 p.m., an Eastvale resident reported on our Facebook page that there were sirens in Eastvale and asked what happened. Our Social Media Department answered that there were two responses near Schleisman Avenue and Archibald Avenue. One response was for medical aid for a teenager and the other was for a report of someone who hurt themselves. We reported there was no danger to the community.

Also on Jan. 13, deputies responded to the 4000 block of Sundance Lane in the city of Norco regarding a theft of a UPS package from the residence’s front porch. The victim captured video of the theft on a home surveillance system. Deputies assigned to the city of Norco Community Oriented Police and Problem Solving (COPPS) Team conducted an investigation which resulted in identifying the suspect in the video. On Friday, Jan. 17, at 4 a.m., a search warrant was executed in the 10000 block of Gramercy Place, in the City of Riverside. As a result of the search warrant, evidence related to the theft was recovered. The suspect was identified as Angela Maria Desiderato, 31, of Riverside, who was arrested for possession of stolen property related felony arrest warrant and booked into jail at the Robert Presley Detention Center.

crime recap pic1On Jan. 14, at 6:25 p.m., a search warrant was served by officers assigned to the city of Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team after new information was obtained regarding an investigation for illegal residential marijuana grow operations in the City of Eastvale. During the service of this search warrant, two subjects were detained inside the residence. Officers discovered the residence had been modified for the sole purpose of cultivating, processing and packaging marijuana for sales.  Officers seized 398 marijuana plants, five pounds of processed marijuana and packaging material.  Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $6000 a month in stolen electricity. The suspects were identified as John Tran, 27, of Los Angeles, and Vinh Tran, 26, of San Gabriel. Both were arrested for conspiracy, cultivation and possession of marijuana for sales, and grand theft of utilities and booked in jail at the Robert Presley Detention Center.

On Jan. 23, deputies assigned to the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team, assisted by the Riverside County Gang Taskforce and Probation Department, conducted a probation compliance sweep on persons residing within the city of Eastvale.  During this operation, compliance checks were conducted at 30 residences, resulting in three felony arrests. During this operation, deputies seized narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia. Cynthia Gomez, 23, of Eastvale, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and violation of probation. Anthony Rodriguez, 32, of Eastvale, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and violation of probation. Ashly Hawkins, 20, of Eastvale, was arrested for possession of heroin, under the influence of a controlled substance, and violation of probation. All three subjects were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.

On Jan. 25 at Hamner Avenue and Alhambra Street between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department / Jurupa Valley Station / Norco Office conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint. While conducting a sobriety checkpoint, a driver identified as Jon Thomas, advised he had a suspended license.  Upon conducting a records check of his vehicle, it returned stolen out of the City of Corona on Jan. 22.  As a result of this investigation, Thomas was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, driving on a suspended license, possession of a stolen car, possession of drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

In addition to the arrest, 517 vehicles screened out of the 571 vehicles that went through the checkpoint, four DUI-Alcohol suspects were arrested, one DUI-Drug impaired suspect was arrested, one suspect was arrested for illegal drugs (possession/transportation/sales), two drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked, three citations were issued and one person was arrested on other Criminal Charges. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department / Jurupa Valley Station / Norco Office will be conducting another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. in their ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

On Jan. 30  in the 12800 block of Thornbury Lane, Eastvale at 9:30 a.m., the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team served a search warrant after previous investigation. During the search, Lou Zhong Wu, a suspect, was detained inside the residence. The residence had been modified for the purposes of cultivating, processing and packaging marijuana for sales. 1170 marijuana plants, 26 pounds of processed marijuana and packaging materials were seized. Electricity was bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in $8700 a month in stolen electricity. The suspect was arrested and booked.

Anyone with information regarding any of these incidents is asked to contact the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.