NEVADA COUNTY, CA – This past August and September, members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) investigated 18 suspected illegal cannabis operations in Nevada County, serving search warrants at 12 properties in Grass Valley, five properties in Nevada City, and one in Smartsville. The partnership prioritizes illegal cultivation sites that are suspected of polluting California waterways/watersheds, along with illegal dumping and water runoff.
In total, NCSO and CDFW eradicated 2,780 plants and destroyed 660 lbs. of processed cannabis and l5 lbs. of psychedelic mushrooms. Illegal cannabis cultivation sites often threaten natural resources and public safety. Of the 18 properties searched, over half were found to have either Water Code and/or Fish and Game Code violations, including violations related to water pollution and trash in or near a waterway, water diversion, and destruction to the environment.
In addition, illegal operations are often associated with unsanitary and unsafe living conditions, which were present at some of the properties. Makeshift structures, including sheds, tents, and enclosures constructed from tarps, plywood, and plastic sheeting, often lack access to clean water, toilets, showers, or other basic sanitation facilities. Without these basic necessities, the properties can become hazardous dumping grounds for waste and pollutants. The properties also routinely contain unsafe electrical systems, including exposed or loosely routed wiring and improvised electrical cords and equipment near living spaces and outdoor work areas, creating significant fire hazards.
Christopher Shane Winge, 43, of Grass Valley, was arrested at one of the Grass Valley properties on Sept. 21. Winge is a convicted and registered sex offender, and pursuant to 290(C)(1)PC, this elevates his involvement in the felonious marijuana cultivation under 11358(D)(1)HS. Winge was arrested for illegal cultivation as well as H&S 11358d(3)(C) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating Fish and Game Code 5650 or 5652; H&S 11358d(3)(B) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating 13260, 13264, 13272, or 13387 of the Water Code; and 182(A)(1) – conspiracy to commit crime.
Additional individuals are under investigation with cases currently pending completion and/or filed with the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The 18 search warrants were executed as part of an ongoing joint agency collaboration between NCSO and CDFW with an emphasis on properties suspected of illegal cannabis operations while polluting California waterways/watersheds. Partners who assisted NCSO SIU and CDFW with the execution of the search warrants included Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, State Water Resources Control Board, Nevada County Cannabis Compliance (a division of Nevada County Code Compliance), and Nevada County Environmental Health.
Community members who suspect illegal cannabis activity or other illegal drug activity are encouraged to call NCSO SIU at (530) 265-1471 with their tips or submit a tip anonymously online at https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/192/Sheriffs-Crime-Tip-Form.