Mendocino Sheriff Press Release:On 8-18-2010 at approximately 0600 the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office Marijuana Eradication Unit along with Patrol Deputies and Detectives were assisted by The Major Crimes Task Force, Mendocino County Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Mendocino County Probation, Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Agents, Alcohol,Tobacco and Fireams Agents and Forest Service Agents served a search warrant at the listed address on Branscomb Road just West of Laytonville.[This was in the 3000 block of Branscomb Rd.]

The search warrant was for a large Marijuana cultivation operation involving armed guards and ex felons.

On arrival Law Enforcement conducted several residential searches on the large parcel of property. Several marijuana plants were seized along with firearms and other narcotic paraphernalia.

At the residential site the following subjects were located and arrested. Suspect Stephenson was arrested for 12021(a)PC-Possession of a firearm by an ex felon, 12316(B)(1)PC-Possession of ammunition by an ex-felon, 11358 and 11359H&S-Cultivation and Sales of Marijuana. Suspect Higgs was arrested for 11377aH&S-Possession of a Controlled Substance, 12280(b)PC-Possession of an assault rifle, 12090PC-Tampering with a firearm serial number. Suspect Dutra was arrested for 11358 and 11359H&S-Cultivation and sales of Marijuana. Suspect Delfino Contreras was arrested for 1325USC ( immigration violation). The listed suspects were transported and booked into the Mendocino County Jail on their listed charges.

Law enforcement then proceeded to two large Marijuana grows which were identified as part of the same investigation. At the upper site officers encountered numerous armed suspects tending to the garden. A total of 426 growing Marijuana Plants were located and eradicated at this location. Several firearms and ammunition were further recovered. At this location an officer involved shooting took place and one of the armed guards was shot and killed by deputy sheriffs The Mendocino County District Attorney along with the California Department of Justice are investigating this incident.

Law Enforcement were investigating a lower site at approximately the same time as the upper site and a firefight ensued. There was no evidence located which revealed anyone was shot or injured during this armed encounter. The Mendocino County District Attorney and the California Department of Justice are investigating. At this site a total of 1980 Marijuana Plants were eradicated along with the recovery of a firearm and ammunition.

The names of those arrested below seem to indicate the scenario of the local farmer hired Hispanic version rather than the Mexican Cartel version.