June 7, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on June 5, 2025, at approximately 7:10 p.m., Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies from the Lamont Substation were sent to the 7500 block of Weedpatch Highway for a check the welfare of a five-month-old juvenile who was injured at the address. Upon arrival, deputies located deplorable living conditions for the juvenile, who was later treated at a local hospital and taken into protective custody by Child Protective Services.

As the deputies continued their investigation, they discovered a large-scale marijuana growing and cultivation operation on the property. Due to a large amount of processed marijuana and marijuana plants, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit was called to the scene to complete the narcotics investigation.

Eduardo Ochoa, 23, of Lamont, and Maritz Rivas, 31, of Soledad, California, were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility for numerous narcotics and child endangerment violations. The investigation is ongoing.

Deputies Seized:

2,892 Mature Marijuana Plants

1,200 Pounds of Processed Marijuana

2 - Firearms

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office