By Staff reports —
NICE — The service of a search warrant by the Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) Narcotics Task Force Wednesday morning resulted in five arrests and the seizure of 475 marijuana plants.
On Tuesday detectives secured a search warrant for several properties located on Harding Drive in Nice. On Wednesday at about 8 a.m., narcotics detectives served the search warrant on the properties. They located three men inside a complex of marijuana grows. Detectives identified the men as Aviel Islas Hernandez, 42, who is a transient, Fidel Avellaned Hernandez, 22, also a transient and Marco Antonio Martinez, 20, of Santa Rosa. All three subjects were detained without incident.
During the course of the investigation detectives located and eradicated 475 marijuana plants located in several different plots, which were all connected together by a trail system, according to LCSO Sgt. Steve Brooks, public information officer.
Evidence collected revealed that the marijuana growing at the scene was not in compliance with proposition 215. The investigation also revealed the suspects were allegedly killing birds they claimed were damaging their marijuana plants and dumping human waste in seasonal creek beds.
Detectives arrested Marco Martinez and Fidel and Aviel Hernandez, for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sales. One of the men arrested, provided information that “Billy” was responsible for the marijuana grow sites. The man was unable to provide any additional information regarding “Billy.”
While narcotic detectives were on scene, two additional people arrived at the location.
They were identified as William “Billy” Walls, 60, of Ukiah and Telesforo Montejano Cornejo, 47, of Santa Rosa. Both were detained without incident.
The investigation revealed that both Walls and Cornejo were allegedly part of the illegal marijuana growing operation. Walls allegedly admitted that some of the plants at the grow site were his. He also allegedly admitted to selling marijuana to dispensaries.
Detectives arrested Walls and Cornejo on charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sales. All five were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.
Anyone with information that may assist the task force with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663.
