July 8, 2016 - The Madera County Sheriff Department reports on Thursday morning, July 7, 2016 Sheriff’s Detectives served a search warrant in the 49000 block of Pierce Drive in Oakhurst regarding illegal marijuana cultivation and a series of theft cases. Detectives found an indoor marijuana growing operation with an illegal PG&E electrical bypass as well as property that had been stolen from a local nursery. In addition, several firearms, including an illegal short barreled shotgun, were seized.

Detectives arrested Jacob Clendenning, 32,  for cultivation of marijuana, possession of a short barreled shotgun, theft of utilities, and possession of stolen property. While Detectives were at the residence, Nicole Naumcheff, 24, arrived and was found to be in possession of narcotics. She was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale.

Mr. Clendenning admitted to the lead investigator, Detective Neil Cuthbert, that he had been involved in a number of recent thefts at a local nursery, when asked how many, he told them too many to remember. He told Detectives he was stealing fertilizer and plant soil to use in his indoor marijuana growing operation.

“Illegal marijuana cultivation impacts everyone, including local businesses”, stated Sheriff Varney.
Source: Madera County Sheriff Department