Santa Cruz County Man Arrested For Indoor Marijuana Grow
APTOS (CBS SF) - Deputies arrested a man after discovering over 500 marijuana plants along with processing materials in an Aptos residence Tuesday, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said.
William Russell, 47, was arrested after deputies found the marijuana growing in a residence in the 600 block of Bayview Drive.
Deputies also discovered a scale, packaging materials and over four pounds of processed marijuana, authorities said.
Deputies also found that Russell had constructed a bypass to a PG&E meter whereby utilizing power without paying for it.
A PG&E investigator was called to assist and removed the bypass, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies estimated Russell's operation could generate well over $150,000 per year.
Russell was booked into jail for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana and utility theft, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said.
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