Press Releases

On June 25, 2020, 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. Deputies were advised of possible marijuana remnants in a dirt field near the residence. After further investigation it was believed there was an illegal marijuana cultivation site at the location.   

On June 25, 2020, at the direction of Sheriff Chad Bianco, deputies served a search warrant at a residence on Desert Rose Way in the city of Lake Elsinore.  The residence was transformed using common building materials into an illegal marijuana cultivation site. Justin Jun Shen, a 31 year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, fled the residence into a nearby dirt field and was ultimately taken into custody. Approximately 1500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were located inside the residence. The electrical system within the residence was illegally altered causing a severe fire hazard.  Southern California Edison Company responded to the residence and turned the power off due to the illegal wiring throughout the residence. Lake Elsinore Code Enforcement along with Building and Safety responded and determined the residence were uninhabitable. 

Justin Shen was booked into the Southwest Detention Center for illegal marijuana cultivation. 

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.

Justin Jun Shen