Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 02-17-2012, approximately 8:00 p.m. a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy, assisted by two California Highway Patrol Officers conducted a probation search at 371 Phillipsville Road, Phillipsville after receiving information from citizens of possible drug activity occurring at the residence. When the officers arrived at the residence they contacted Steven James Ball, 64 years old who resided in the residence and who is on probation for possession of marijuana, along with Timothy Howard Hare, 64 years old who resides in Dyerville. A search of the residence was conducted and the officers discovered a sophisticated marijuana operation. Several of the residences bedrooms were being used to grow marijuana, and a hidden grow room was located in the basement, concealed by a trap door. Over 3,300 marijuana plants were located, including numerous clones, along with scales, packaging material and items consistent with sales of marijuana. Approximately three pounds of processed marijuana and over $3,000.00 cash was also located. Ball told the deputy he sells the marijuana clones.

The Humboldt County Drug Task Force was notified and responded to assist in the investigation. Steven Ball was arrested for felony cultivation and sales of marijuana. Timothy Hare was arrested on three outstanding arrest warrants, one for theft of utilities, one for maintaining a drug house, and another for reckless driving. Both were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Ball’s bail was set at $25,000.00, and Hare is being held without bail.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or criminal related activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line 707-268-2539. If you live in the City Limits of Eureka the Eureka Police Problem Oriented Policing Unit can be reached at 707-441-4373