4 months ago
MODESTO, CA - Authorities uncovered two homes being used to grow large amounts of marijuana, and one of the properties is owned by the city of Modesto.
The illegal pot grows came to light when the Modesto Police Department received a call from the Modesto Irrigation District Monday. According to Sgt. Brian Findlen, the district reported that a transformer had malfunctioned twice in the area of El Vista Avenue and Scenic Drive. Further testing revealed that a home at 660 El Vista Avenue was drawing an excessive amount of power, said Findlen.
That home is in Dry Creek Regional Park and was given to the city when that land was handed over.
Police officers went to the home where they encountered three men in the front of the house. When officers knocked on the front door, Findlen said they detected a strong odor of marijuana and saw two other men inside the house. One of the men ran off and was still being sought by police, said Findlen.
Police obtained a search warrant and found 560 marijuana plants and a sophisticated growing operation inside the house, Findlen said.
Modesto officials say a property management business took care of renting the city-owned home, and there weren't any indications of problems.
"Background on the tenants was good. There was employment, and good references. There was no red flag at all," said Parks and Recreation Director Julie Hannon.
The husband and wife tenants weren't at the house when police arrived. The suspects were. The search is now on to find the tenants.
Findlen said their investigation led police to a second house in La Grange where another growing operation was discovered along with 400 marijuana plants.
Four men were arrested at the first property and booked for illegal cultivation of marijuana. One man was still being sought. Police identified him as Valdemar Zamora, 31, of Ceres.
Investigators ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Zamora to contact the Modesto Police Department at (209) 521-4636. News10/KXTV
