One Arrested for Drug Sales and Illegal Marijuana Cultivation Following TNT Related Search Warrant Service, Two Suspects Outstanding
October 4, 2024 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Friday, September 27th, 2024, The Tuolumne County Narcotics Team (TNT), with the assistance of the Tuolumne County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and Tuolumne County Code Compliance, served a search warrant related to illegal indoor and outdoor marijuana cultivation in the area of North Sunshine Road in Sonora. During the warrant service, TCSO SWAT detained an occupant of the residence, 48-year-old Rosalie Alyssa Ornelas. Two additional residents, 42-year-old Lonnie Joshua Malone, and 54-year-old Mia Marie Todaro, were not home during the warrant service.
Once TCSO SWAT had cleared the residence, TNT Agents continued their investigation. During the search, TNT Agents located approximately 31 grams of methamphetamine packaged into several bags, illegal drug use paraphernalia, physical evidence consistent with methamphetamine sales, and approximately 150 marijuana plants were found and eradicated from the property. While searching, TNT agents found a rifle in a bedroom with Malone's belongings. Malone, who has prior felony convictions for the cultivation and sale of marijuana and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
After the search, Ornelas was arrested and transported to the Dambacher Detention Center (DDC), where she was booked on charges of 11378 HS – Possession of a controlled substance for sale, 11366 HS – Maintaining a place to sell narcotics, 182(A)(1)PC – Conspiracy to commit a crime, 11364(A) HS – Possession of illegal drug use paraphernalia, 11358(C) HS – Cultivation of more than six marijuana plants and 11359(B) HS – Possession of marijuana for sale.
After the warrant service, TNT agents attempted to locate Malone and Todaro but were unable to do so. At this time, Malone and Todaro have not been contacted, and their whereabouts are unknown. Anyone with information regarding their location is encouraged to contact TCSO at 209-533-5815.
Source & photos: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office