Press Releases

In the beginning of May, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Stations Problem Oriented Policing Team received information regarding possible illegal marijuana cultivation occurring in the city of Lake Elsinore.

On May 28, 2020, at the direction of Sheriff Chad Bianco, deputies served two search warrants in the 31000 block of Stoney Creek Drive in the city of Lake Elsinore. The two residences were transformed using common building materials into illegal marijuana cultivation sites. The electrical systems within both residences had been illegally altered causing a severe fire hazard. Southern California Edison Company responded to the residences and turned the power off due to the illegal wiring throughout the residences. Southern California Edison determined that approximately $15,000 in electricity had been stolen. Lake Elsinore Code Enforcement along with Building and Safety responded and determined the residences were uninhabitable. Approximately 750 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, and approximately 38 pounds of processed marijuana were located inside the residence.

Michael Le (59-year-old) resident of Westminster, Cam Van Vo (45-year-old) resident of Lake Elsinore, and Dao Nguyen (50-year-old) resident Lake Elsinore were located, arrested, and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for illegal marijuana cultivation and theft of utilities.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Talbott at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300.

As a reminder, "Community Policing" involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.