February 2, 2024 - Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on January 31, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA), along with Investigators from the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, executed search warrants on two (2) illegal marijuana dispensaries operating on Taft Highway, Bakersfield. Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife/Cannabis Enforcement Program (CEP), and officers from the Kern County Probation Department also assisted in the execution of the search warrants and arrests of numerous subjects found to be involved in operating the illegal marijuana dispensaries, possession of controlled substances, illegal firearms and for the sales of marijuana to a minor.

This investigation resulted in the closure of both marijuana dispensaries that were found to be in violation of County and State Health and Safety Codes. Investigators from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will be conducting follow up investigations on the below marijuana dispensaries regarding violations of the illicit sales of marijuana and various cannabis products.

Top Shelf – 3611 Taft Highway (Converted Church)

True Cannabis – 3024 Taft Highway

The following subjects were arrested for the listed charges and booked into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Lerdo Justice Facility. 

Julian Gamboa (age 32) from Bakersfield, was arrested for maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sales, possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) for the purpose of sales, possession of a loaded firearm, being in possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl) while being armed with a firearm, and for conspiracy to commit a crime.

Andrew Escobar (age 22) from Bakersfield, was arrested for maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sales, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales, and for conspiracy to commit a crime.

Anthony Villegas, (age 22) from Bakersfield, was arrested for maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sales, furnishing marijuana to a minor, possession of a loaded firearm, and for conspiracy to commit a crime.

Favian De La Torre, (age 21) from Bakersfield, was arrested for maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sales, furnish marijuana to a minor, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Edwin McGowan, (age 21) from Bakersfield, was arrested for maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sales, furnishing marijuana to a minor, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office