YouTube sales alleged in California marijuana sales case

 Posted on July 13, 2011 in Drug Crimes

Three Californians are facing marijuana and child endangerment charges in relation to an alleged illegal marijuana growing operation. One of the men reportedly is 17-years-old. The allegations allege the group was using the Internet to sell marijuana. The three were reportedly specifically arrested on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and child endangerment.

The three Porterville residents were arrested after raids of properties located in Porterville and California Hot Springs. Law enforcement claims the searches at the properties followed a two-month probe into allegations that the group of Californians was selling marijuana through YouTube.

Deputies with the Sheriff's tactical Enforcement Personnel unit in Tulare County reportedly made the arrests after allegedly locating indoor and outdoor grows of medical marijuana that law enforcement claims exceeded allowable amounts under California law.

The 17-year-old male had medical marijuana recommendations to support growing medical marijuana for himself and a second person's medical marijuana needs, according to law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office says the amount of medical marijuana in the growing operation exceeded the amount authorized. Law enforcement claims authorities seized 587 plants at the properties.

Police claim several children had access to the growing operations. Authorities say the children were allowed to play in the marijuana gardens.

In addition to the 17-year-old male, two other people were arrested. A 21-year-old and a 27-year-old Porterville resident was taken into custody, according to sheriff's deputies.

The laws concerning medical marijuana in California are in flux, and mere allegations that the amount of medical marijuana exceeds the amount authorized can be disputed. A seasoned Santa Cruz medical marijuana attorney can help a person accused of marijuana cultivation charges assess the allegations in an individual case and protect the person's rights in court.

Source: Porterville Recorder, "Man arrested on suspicion of selling marijuana via YouTube," 12 Jul 2011