CLEARLAKE — A compliance check at a marijuana growing site Tuesday resulted in the arrest of Jean Littrell, 45, of Clearlake. According to Clearlake Police Department (CPD) Sgt. R. Joseph, the compliance check was conducted because officers received complaints about the marijuana grown from concerned neighbors.
During the compliance check, which was conducted in an isolated and undeveloped area of Clearlake near the intersections of 10th and Boyles avenues, Littrell was found caretaking the property. Joseph said that evidence of criminal activity was located on the property during the routine compliance check, which he said led to issuance of a search warrant.
CPD Det. R. Peterson obtained the search warrant during the evening and served it with the assistance of several other CPD officers. During service of the warrant, approximately 168 marijuana plants were allegedly seized along with a loaded double-barreled .20 gauge shotgun. Joseph said approximately 41 .20 gauge shotgun slugs were also located.
The search continued through the night. During the investigation it was learned that Littrell was hired as a caretaker for the marijuana grow by another person associated with the property.
Littrell was arrested and charged with several felony charges including unauthorized cultivation of marijuana, possession of an illegal firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of ammunition by a felon. He was booked into Lake County Jail.
Joseph said additional people associated with the illegal operation were identified and additional charges may be pending. The estimated street value of the seized marijuana, when fully developed, is more than a $500,000.
“The CPD would like to thank the Lake County Fire Protection District for its assistance in providing lighting equipment during the nighttime investigation,” Joseph said. “The CPD would further like to thank the concerned residents who alerted the police department to this illegal marijuana grow.”
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Det. R. Peterson at 994-8251; callers may remain anonymous.
Joseph said that it should be noted the CPD routinely conducts compliance checks on reported marijuana grows, most of which he said are found to be operating in compliance with current state law.
CLEARLAKE ? Clearlake Police arrested Jeremy John Stanton, 35, of Hidden Valley Lake, late Wednesday following a report of subject arguing and gun shots heard in the area of Memory Lane in Clearlake. No other subjects were found to be related to the incident.
According to Sgt. R. Joseph, when officers arrived on scene less than a minute following the reported crime, Stanton apparently exited nearby bushes and spoke with officers. Joseph said Stanton made delusional statements to the investigating officers about someone shooting at him. Joseph said Stanton was also displaying symptoms of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. Stanton then admitted to being an intravenous (IV) drug-user, Joseph said.
According to Joseph, a double barreled .12 gauge shotgun was found on the ground in close proximity to where officers contacted Stanton. It was later determined that the shotgun belonged to Stanton.
Stanton”s parked vehicle was also located in a nearby parking lot. During search of the vehicle a small quantity of methamphetamine was allegedly located along with several unexpended shotgun rounds, numerous used hypodermic syringes and an illegal knife.
Joseph said that witnesses told officers that Stanton was the only person in the parking lot and that no other persons were seen. “Based on the investigation, it is believed that Stanton, who was under the influence of a controlled substance, removed the shotgun from the trunk of his car and fired the shotgun in a negligent and reckless manner.”
Joseph said no injured persons and no property damage were found as a result of the discharge of the shotgun.
Stanton was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of hypodermic syringes, possession of an illegal weapon, negligent discharge of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm. He was booked into Lake County Jail.
“The Clearlake Police Department would like to thank the persons who came forward to not only call 9-1-1 about the criminal activity, but also who remained on scene and spoke with the investigating officers once Stanton was safely in custody,” Joseph said.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or any other crime occurring in the City of Clearlake, is urged to contact the CPD at 994-8251; callers may remain anonymous.
CLEARLAKE — The service of a search warrant on the 16400 block of Dam Road in Clearlake Tuesday resulted in the arrest of a Tempe, Ariz. man. Thomas Galavitz, 37, was booked into Lake County Jail for several misdemeanor and felony charges related to the illegal trafficking of narcotics.
According to Clearlake Police Sgt. R. Joseph, the warrant was served by officers of the Clearlake Police Department (CPD), Lake County District Attorney”s Office (LCDA) and an officer of the Lake County Probation Department (LCPD). He said the search warrant was obtained with information provided to area officials from law officials in Tempe, Ariz., which concerned the illegal trafficking of narcotics across state lines.
During service of the warrant, approximately eight grams of concentrated cannabis was allegedly located along with an approximate one ounce of marijuana, scales, packaging materials, false state identification and a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Joseph said that investigators seized more than $15,000 in cash and a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle, which he said are pending judicial asset forfeiture proceedings.
“Although the narcotics seized during this search warrant did not yield a large quantity of narcotics, evidence was collected that indicates this location had been possibly used as a large distribution center,” Joseph said. “Additionally, three large dogs from the property were taken for safekeeping by the Clearlake Animal Control officer.”
According to Joseph, Galavitz was located inside the residence and was subsequently arrested for several misdemeanor and felony charges including a felony warrant out of Arizona, possession of concentrated cannabis, possession of marijuana for sale, sales of marijuana, armed during the commission of a felony, possessing a false/forged state seal, false identification to a police officer, possession of a fictitious driver”s license and possession of more than an ounce of marijuana.
Joseph said although the operation is pending further investigation, the success of the search warrant was based on the multi-jurisdictional cooperation of Tempe, Ariz. law enforcement, the LCDA, LCPD and CPD.
