Three separate marijuana grow houses were discovered by Hernando County authorities this month after thousands of dollars’ worth of services were reported stolen from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative.
- Alexander Ponce, 33, was arrested June 8
- Danny Torres, 32, was arrested June 16
- Jose Rodriguez, 65, was arrested June 20
Detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office identified that in each case, power was being diverted. All together, the thefts totaled $143,295.
Following this discovery, the HCSO says the execution of several search warrants quickly followed. In each case, at least one individual was arrested and charged with multiple offenses ranging from trafficking marijuana to grand theft.
JUNE 8
The first search warrant was executed at 18303 Macek Road in Weeki Wachee on June 8. According to deputies, Alexander Ponce, 33, had the following at his residence: 17 large marijuana plants, 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 was seized.
He was arrested and charged with trafficking marijuana, cultivation of marijuana, grand theft, and several other crimes. His bail was set at $38,000.
JUNE 16
The second search warrant was executed at 10280 Javelin Road in Brooksville on June 16.
Upon arrival, detectives say they 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.
On Javelin, 60 marijuana plants were found, along with 267.30 grams of processed marijuana. Torres, 32, reportedly admitted to tending the plants. He was charged with cultivation of marijuana, grand theft and possession of marijuana over 20 grams. He was given a $12,000 bond.
JUNE 20
The third search warrant was executed at 13451 Taft Street in Brooksville on June 20.
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, according to deputies, refused to provide any other details.
76 pounds of marijuana ready for distribution, or $228,000 worth, was seized. Rodriguez, 65, was charged with cultivation of marijuana, grand theft, trafficking marijuana and trespassing on a utility fixture. His bond was set at $36,000.
Through their investigation, detectives say they learned that one individual was making in excess of $100,000 every three months as a result of their operation. Another was making approximately $1,000 per week by tending to the marijuana plants. If convicted, the suspects face a maximum of 30 years in prison.
"These criminal operations not only ignore the drug laws,” said Sheriff Al Neinhuis, “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."