Justin Shen, 31, of Lake Elsinore was booked into the the Southwest Detention Center on June 25 for illegal marijuana cultivation. Photo courtesy of Riverside Sheriff’s Department.Justin Shen, a 31-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, was booked into the Southwest Detention Center for illegal marijuana cultivation.
On June 25, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Stations Problem Oriented Policing Team received information regarding possible illegal marijuana cultivation occurring in the city of Lake Elsinore. Deputies were advised of possible marijuana remnants in a dirt field near the residence. After further investigation, it was believed there was an illegal marijuana cultivation site at the location.
Deputies a search warrant at a residence on Desert Rose Way where they found the residence transformed into an illegal marijuana cultivation site. Shen fled the residence into a nearby dirt field and was ultimately taken into custody and booked into the Southwest Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 27th.
According to the department’s press release, approximately 1500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were located inside the residence. The electrical system within the residence was illegally altered causing a severe fire hazard. Southern California Edison responded to the residence and turned the power off due to the illegal wiring throughout the residence. Lake Elsinore Code Enforcement along with Building and Safety responded and determined the residence was uninhabitable.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Talbott at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at 951-245-3300.
