RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTSheriff Chad Bianco |
| Press Release: | Marijuana Cultivation Search Warrants |
| Station Area: | Palm Desert |
| Written Date: | October 28, 2020 | Time: | 2:30 PM |
| Incident Date: | October 28, 2020 | Time: | 7:00 AM |
| Incident Location: | South Desert Hot Springs |
| Reporting Officer: | Sergeant Francisco Velasco |
| File Number(s): | Multiple |
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| James Russell Obrien |
Details:
On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, personnel from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Palm Desert Station and Riverside County Code Enforcement served two marijuana cultivation related search warrants in the unincorporated areas of South Desert Hot Springs. The search warrants were served after numerous residents in the area complained about the odor of marijuana and increased vehicle traffic in their community due to the marijuana cultivation. During the service, hundreds of plants weighing approximately 800 pounds were eradicated. A pistol silencer and handgun rounds were located. 33-year-old South Desert Hot Springs resident, James Russell Obrien, was arrested for marijuana cultivation, felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a silencer
The goal of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is to keep all of our citizens safe while also improving the quality of life for those residing within the community. Marijuana cultivation negatively impacts the environment in many ways including diminishing and poisoning the water table and pesticides adversely affecting the health of neighboring residents. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has a zero-tolerance policy for theses offenses. If you suspect drug activity in your area, please contact your local Sheriff’s Station. The Palm Desert Station can be reached at (760) 836-1600.
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