Clearlake >> A code enforcement officer was reportedly offered what officials claim to be a “significant amount of money” by a pot farmer who now faces a felony charge of bribery.
While conducting marijuana growing compliance checks Thursday morning, Clearlake Code Enforcement Officer Tina Viramontes spoke with Travis White-Eagle at a site in the 15400 block of Stanyon Street. It was during this time that White-Eagle, 33, allegedly offered Viramontes money to ignore his growing operation, Clearlake Sgt. Rodd Joseph reported in a media release. Exactly how much money or number of plants White-Eagle had was not disclosed.
Viramontes told her supervisor who then reported the incident to city police, prompting an investigation led by Clearlake Police Officer Mark Harden.
When he questioned White-Eagle at the police station Saturday, the suspect provided incriminating statements and was arrested, Joseph reported.
White-Eagle faces charges of giving or offering bribes to executive officers and was booked into the Lake County jail. He has since been released.
The case will be submitted to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for filing.
