Oak Hills Burglary Investigation Leads to Discovery of 1700 Marijuana Plants

Staff Writer

Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

OAK HILLS – One female suspect and five male suspects were arrested on Sunday afternoon when 1700 marijuana plants were located in an Oak Hills home

At around 3:55 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2018, deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to the 7000 block of Escondido Avenue in Oak Hills for the report of a possible burglary in progress. When deputies arrived at the home they found two suspects inside of the open garage and the other came out of the home shortly after. The deputies conducted a security check on the home, where the located the marijuana cultivation. The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division – Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. A search warrant was obtained and served on the home. Over three pounds of processed marijuana was located in the home and 1700 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

The elaborate set up included advanced lighting, air conditioning, fans, exhaust blowers and air filtering systems to control the climate inside the residence, as well as the odor of marijuana coming from it. Through investigation, it was learned that the electricity was being stolen and Southern California Edison responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. “Suspects who grow marijuana illicitly will commonly bypass the electrical meter installed by the electrical company,” Victor Valley Station officials explained. “This is done due to the high amount and cost of electricity needed to operate the marijuana growing equipment.” The theft of electricity is believed to be several thousand dollars. The suspects; Caizhong Chen, 44, of New York, Xi Chen, 39, of Connecticut, Heguan Chen, 47, of New York, Guo Jim Jiang, 57, of South Carolina, Cai Dong Chen, 46, of New York and Huodi Chen, 63, of Massachusetts were all booked at the High Desert Detention Center for Utility Theft and Cultivation of over 6 Cannabis Plants.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)387-8400 or NARC-MET@sbcsd.org. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.