Mendocino Co. Sheriff Press Release:

On 02/12/2013 Deputies from the County of Mendocino Marijuana Eradication Team (COMMET) were conducting follow-up investigations in Laytonville, California from an earlier marijuana cultivation investigation.

Deputies went to a property in the 62000 block of Bell Springs Road and contacted David Jeffreys.  While at the location Deputies believed that marijuana was being grown at the location and obtained a search warrant for the property.

Located in an outbuilding on the property were 503 marijuana plants that were being grown inside a building.  The property was determined to be owned by Jason Smith.

Deputies noted this was the same location that was searched on 07-24-2012 where 651 marijuana plants were seized growing both inside and outside.

Deputies then went to a property in the 48000 block of North Highway 101 and contacted Richard Ezell.  While at the location Deputies observed marijuana being grown in an outbuilding and obtained a search warrant for the property.

Located in several outbuildings on the property were 925 marijuana plants that were being grown inside the buildings and approximately 50 pounds of hanging partially processed marijuana.

Deputies noticed this was the same location that was searched on 07-24-2012 where 1,315 marijuana plants were seized growing both inside and outside.  During the earlier search a stolen firearm was recovered in a safe that contained items of paperwork in Ezell’s name.

Richard Ezell was arrested on the listed charges and booked into the Mendocino County jail and was subsequently released after posting bail.  Charges are being sought through the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office against Smith and Jeffreys.