12-12-12
Palmdale Deputies discover an elaborate Marijuana Cultivation Operation off of a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon.
While working patrol in the Littlerock area, Deputy John Cereoli conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near 87th Street East and Avenue T-14, for a traffic violation.
While contacting the driver, 41 year old Granada Hills resident Tony Baker, he observed several marijuana plants in the backseat of the vehicle. Deputy Cereoli was able to ascertain, through his investigation of the driver, that the plants had just come from a cultivation operation nearby. Armed with a search warrant Narcotics Detectives and deputies searched a two acre lot, near the 36000 Block of 92nd Street East, where they found an elaborate Marijuana Cultivation Operation in a detached garage. A second suspect, 41 year old Littlerock resident Travis Churchill, was inside of the home when deputies served the search warrant.
The cultivation operation consisted of 300 immature marijuana plants in a 3500 square foot converted garage. It consisted of a watering and artificial lighting system. The marijuana had just been harvested and detectives seized approximately 300 pounds of Marijuana with an estimated street value of $300,000. A large amount of sealed cash was also seized at the scene.
Both suspects were transported and booked at the Palmdale Sheriff's Station. Baker was booked on charges of Cultivation of Marijuana with a bail amount of $50,000. Churchill was booked on charges of Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sales and Theft of Public Utilities with a bail of $50,000. Both suspects are scheduled to be arraigned on Friday December 14th at the Antelope Valley Court House.
The ongoing investigation is being handled by the Palmdale Sheriff's Station Narcotics Bureau.
Prepared by Deputy Jodi Wolfe
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