Sheriff's Narcotics Detetcives Arrest Suspected Narcotics Trafficker

Home Invasion Investigation Leads to Large Marijuana Grow

Goleta - July16, 2010

On Thursday July 15, 2010 at approximately 10:00 pm, , Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Goleta Patrol deputies responded to a report of an assault victim in the 100 block of Salisbury Ave. in Goleta, CA.

As deputies arrived in the area, they were approached by the resident in distress, Jackson Burns (DOB 9/19/91) who told deputies that (2-3) Hispanic male adults wearing masks and gloves had approached him as he walked outside to retrieve something from his vehicle. The suspects chased Burns and entered his residence. The suspects and Burns became involved in a physical struggle. The suspects overpowered Burns, zip tied Burns’ hands, covered his head with a towel and threw him into his living room. Burns’ 21-year old friend was on the back porch of the residence and was also physically attacked by the suspects who also went through his pockets and took approximately $30 in cash.

While Deputies cleared the residence to confirm that the suspects had fled, they located sophisticated multi-stage marijuana grow operation. It was later determined that the suspects fled from the residence into an unknown make/model white panel van.  The 21-year old victim was transported to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. Burns was uninjured during the altercation.

Due to the indoor marijuana grow, Narcotic Detectives were contacted and responded to the location. A search warrant was served at the residence for the marijuana grow operation inside the residence which was found to contain four separate grow rooms as well as outdoor plants. A total of 443 marijuana plants in various stages of growth and height (clones, vegetation and budding) were located and seized. Scales, packaging and shipping materials were also located inside the residence. Over $15,000 in high end hydroponic grow equipment and a loaded shogun were also located. The street value of the plants is $1,107,500.

During the investigation, it was ascertained that Burns was cultivating marijuana for sales (selling the marijuana for $3,200 a pound) purposes and working outside the scope of and exploiting Proposition 215/Sentate Bill 420. It is also believed that Burns was shipping marijuana back to his hometown in the state of Georgia.

Burns was arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for violations of 11358 H&S – Cultivation of marijuana, 11359 H&S – Possession of marijuana for sales, 11370.1 H&S – Narcotics trafficking while armed. His bail was set at $30,000. Burns’ friend was not arrested.

The investigation into the residential robbery is on going.  Anyone who has information regarding this investigation or similar residences where related activities may be occurring are encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau at 805-681-4100 or you may call anonymously via the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 805-681-4171.  

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org