JUNE 22- Thousands of dollars in stolen electricity kept Hernando County Vice and Narcotics detectives busy with three separate search warrants over a 13 day period.
Working closely with representatives from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), detectives identified that in each case, power was being diverted (stolen), resulting in the execution of the search warrants.
The first search warrant was executed at 18303 Macek Road in Brooksville (Royal Highlands) on 06-08-16 at 9:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, detectives found the residence to be unoccupied, but set up to cultivate marijuana. The sliding glass door and several windows were reinforced with metal framing that covered the entire window opening.
Pursuant to the search, detectives located and seized the following items: 17 large marijuana plants that had already been harvested and were in the drying process, 56 plants growing in various stages, several bags of processed marijuana and plant material, and numerous items of grow equipment and paraphernalia. A total of 210 pounds of processed marijuana were seized.
The power diversion was located in the attic. The resident was paying a $200 electric bill on a regular basis. The house was drawing 3.2 amps, which equates to approximately $1,500 worth of power actually being used each month.
While the scene was being processed, some detectives remained at undisclosed locations on surveillance in case the suspect returned to the residence. At approximately 2 p.m., a white Cadillac, driven by the suspect’s girlfriend, drove past the residence. A traffic stop was conducted on the Cadillac and the suspect, Alexander Ponce, was located in the vehicle.
Ponce told detectives that the metal framing on the door and windows was to protect himself from being raided by other drug dealers.
Representatives from WREC advised that the total dollar amount lost in power theft and labor costs were approximately $59,778.21.
Alexander Ponce W/M DOB/05-16-1983 was charged as follows:
– Trafficking in Marijuana
– Cultivation of Marijuana
– Possession of a Structure for Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
– Grand Theft
– Possession of Paraphernalia
– Trespass on a Utility Fixture
– Bond – $38,000.
The second search warrant was executed at 10280 Javelin Road in Brooksville on 06-16-16 at 2:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, detectives observed two individuals on the property. Contact was made with one individual, later identified as Danny Torres. The other individual ran into a nearby wooded area. He was never located.
Pursuant to the search, detectives located and seized the following items: 60 marijuana plants, 267.30 grams of processed marijuana, and numerous items of grow equipment.
Torres admitted to “tending to the marijuana plants” for approximately the last two months.
Representatives from WREC advised that the total dollar amount lost in power theft and labor costs were approximately $35,745.86.
Danny Maribal Torres W/M DOB/09-25-1983 was charged as follows:
– Cultivation of Marijuana
– Possession of a Structure for Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
– Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams
– Grand Theft
– Possession of Paraphernalia
– Bond – $12,000.
The third search warrant was executed at 13451 Taft Street in Brooksville on 06-20-16 at 6:10 p.m.
Upon entering the residence, detectives located Jose Rodriguez. With the assistance of a Spanish speaking deputy, Rodriguez admitted to being the sole person responsible for the grow operation. He advised he was doing this “for his retirement” but refused to provide any other details.
Pursuant to the search, detective located and seized the following items: a large amount of harvested marijuana that was ready for distribution (weighed 76 pounds and had an estimated street value of $228,000.), an additional 69.6 pounds of plant material, 48 marijuana plants (the smallest plant weighed 10.2 pounds), several items of grow equipment and paraphernalia and a brand new 5 ton air conditioner (still in the shrink wrap) which was going to be used in the grow room.
The power diversion was occurring in the attic.
Rodriguez insisted that he was not selling the marijuana. Detectives did not buy his story, as it continually changed.
Representatives from WREC advised that the total dollar amount lost in power theft and labor costs were approximately $47,772.44.
Jose Rodriguez W/M DOB/08-12-1950 was charged as follows:
– Cultivation of Marijuana
– Trafficking in Marijuana
– Possession of a Structure for Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
– Grand Theft
– Trespass on a Utility Fixture
– Possession of Paraphernalia
– Bond – $36,000.
The question is: “How does power diversion affect the consumer?”
According to representatives from WREC, when power is stolen to help facilitate the illegal grow operations, it negatively affects every WREC consumer, financially. Each customer feels the burden of the theft of power as it ultimately has a negative effect on their power bill, to make up for what has been stolen.
Through investigation, detectives learned that one individual was making in excess of $100,000 every three months and another was making approximately $1,000 per week by tending to the marijuana plants.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis said, “These criminal operations not only ignore the drug laws, they steal from each of us in the way of higher electric bills. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work very closely with local power companies in holding these people accountable.”
If convicted, each of these individuals face a maximum of over 30 years in prison.