Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives were busy the last two weeks investigating three separate illegal marijuana grows, two in the eastern foothills, and one near the City of Kerman.

    On May 22nd, detectives eradicated two grows in the 28000 block of Big Springs Rd in Watts Valley.  A total of over 2400 illegal marijuana plants were discovered. 

No one was arrested in connection with the grows, however, evidence was seized leading detectives to believe the persons responsible were using the guise of medical marijuana as a cover for illicit activities.  The investigation is ongoing.

Last Thursday, May 29th, detectives served a search warrant at a residence located in the 17000 block of W Whitesbridge Ave pertaining to an illegal marijuana grow.  Over 100 plants were discovered, along with over 10 pounds of processed marijuana. 

Some of the marijuana inside the residence was discovered where an adult female and her infant daughter resided.  Due to the unsafe living conditions of the home, Child Protective Services also responded. 

As a result of the investigation, 62 year old Jimmy Wells was cited for possession of marijuana for sales and marijuana cultivation.  19 year old Susanha Marie Ayala was arrested on charges of felony child endangerment, and her infant child placed with CPS. 

Charges will also be filed on a third identified suspect who was not present at the time of the search warrant service.  For investigative reasons, that subjects identity is not being released at this time.

The investigations are ongoing.  Anyone with information on this, or any other marijuana investigation is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 600-3111, or CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP(7867).  Persons may also report illegal drug activity via the Sheriff’s Office website, www.fresnosheriff.org.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public that state and federal laws, along with county ordinances, prohibits the cultivation of marijuana in Fresno County and will be aggressively enforced.