A resident reported that marijuana was seen growing inside a home in the 25300 block of Via Telino in Valencia. Detectives received the crime tip and began an investigation. They were able to show that the crime tip was credible and there was evidence of marijuana being grown inside the home. Today, a search warrant was served at the home. Inside the home, the garage and three bedrooms were being used to grow marijuana. The home was in poor condition, with a mattress for sleeping laying downstairs in the living room and open trash cans filled with chemicals used to feed the plants upstairs. The grow consisted of 282 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.  Each plant has a street value potential somewhere between 500 and three thousand dollars, depending on the amount and size of the buds or flowers. 

Plastic bags containing methamphetamine and cocaine were also found in the home.  It was also discovered that the power meter had been bypassed in order to provide all the power needed by the grow lights, air conditioning, and watering systems located inside the residence.  Southern California Edison employees responded to the location to turn off the power to the home and ensure that the wiring was safe. 

Jesus Pedroza, M/22, resident of Valencia, was arrested at the location for cultivation of marijuana, possession of cocaine for sales, possession of methamphetamine for sales, and theft of utilities.

This is another example of citizens working in conjunction with law enforcement in order to provide safer communities.    

If You See Something, Say Something! Anyone with information about a local crime is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Clarita Valley Station at (661) 255-1121.

If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you can call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the web site http://lacrimestoppers.org.