Ten people were arrested when deputies investigating a stolen vehicle case were led to a large facility east of Perris that was allegedly serving as a “chop shop,” marijuana grow operation and butane honey oil lab.
When authorities arrived at the property at about 9 a.m. Saturday near Hansen Avenue and Nuevo Road in the unincorporated community of Nuevo, several people attempted to flee but were later detained, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies found the stolen vehicle they were searching for on the property, as well as two marijuana grows, said Sgt. Mark Alanis.
Alanis said a search warrant was obtained, and deputies scoured the entire property and allegedly found five stolen vehicles, 1,734 marijuana plants, a butane honey oil lab and a functioning chop shop where stolen vehicles were being disassembled in order to sell their parts.
A sales quantity of methamphetamine was also found, he said.
Deputies arrested Jonathan Martin, 43, Pamala Moscovitch, 61, Hilde Martin Nunez-Castellon, 26, Rodney Marsh, 62, Tommy Waugh, 30, Jesse Villegas, 28, Lonnie Robinson, 44, Brandy Shields, 40, Carlos Herrera, 28, and Darrell Williams, 48.
They were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on a variety of counts, including possession of stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles, operating a chop shop, marijuana cultivation, manufacturing butane honey oil and possession of methamphetamine for sale.
Sheriff’s officials said three of the suspects were also wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.
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