News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 12, 2006
Contact: Casey McEnry
Number: 415-436-7994

Citizen Tip Leads To DEA Multiple Marijuana Grow
Operations — Six Arrested
Seizures include marijuana, cash and cars

OCT 12 -- WILLITS – Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña, announced the service of three state search warrants and the arrest of six individuals on marijuana cultivation and distribution charges. The searches resulted in the seizure a total of two indoor marijuana grows and eight outdoor marijuana grow operations, over 300 marijuana plants, approximately 100 lbs. processed marijuana, one loaded rifle, over $20,000 US Currency and three vehicles.

“The marijuana seized in this investigation has a street value of over $1.4 million. Marijuana trafficking can be a highly lucrative business, but the DEA and local law enforcement agencies will guarantee the end result will be arrest and prosecution,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña.

The investigation began in August 2006, after the DEA Santa Rosa Resident Office received a tip from a concerned citizen and culminated on October 11, 2006, when agents served three state authorized search warrants. Search warrants were served at 900 Cherry Creek Drive, and two rural properties, all in Willits. At the Cherry Creek location agents seized two harvested indoor marijuana grows and two outdoor marijuana grow operations, approximately 40 marijuana plants, approximately 80 lbs. processed marijuana, a Chevy Truck, a Chevy Tahoe, US Currency and one loaded rifle. Shannon River, 27, of Willits and Krystal Weaver, 26, of Willits were arrested at this location.

At the two rural properties, which together total over 385 acres, agents seized six outdoor marijuana grow operations, approximately 260 marijuana plants, approximately 20 lbs. processed marijuana, a Toyota Tacoma, US Currency and arrested Gerrit Kemps, 31, of Willits, John Capewell, 34, of Willits, Jason McDaniel, 29, of Willits and Matthew Nussbaum, 25, of Willits. All individuals arrested in this investigation were booked on state charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession for sales of marijuana.

This case is the product of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case is being prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office in Mendocino County. The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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