Carson Shane Wilhite, Marijuana Cultivation, California 2023

FRESNO, Calif. — A Madera County man has been brought to justice for his role in a massive marijuana cultivation operation in the Sierra National Forest. Carson Shane Wilhite, 43, of Ahwahnee, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

The investigation revealed that Wilhite was involved in a marijuana cultivation operation at his residence on private land in the Carter Creek watershed drainage network in the Sierra National Forest and on public land adjacent to the residence. During the execution of a federal search warrant in the summer of 2019, law enforcement officers located marijuana growing inside and outside of Wilhite’s residence and 2,261 marijuana plants growing on the adjacent public land.

Wilhite agreed to pay $46,680 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the damage sustained to the environment as a result of his marijuana cultivation activities. The operation also involved other individuals who would pass through his property to grow marijuana, with Wilhite receiving a payment of $3,000 in cash and an additional $300 per month, along with marijuana and a $10,000 payment upon harvest.

The officers located 2,353 marijuana plants in total, including those on Wilhite’s property and the adjacent public land. Wilhite was also found to be in possession of three firearms, including an AR-15 type assault rifle with no serial number and a Springfield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a live round chambered.

The firearms charge carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years. Wilhite faces a maximum prison term of five years in prison on the drug conspiracy charge and a fine of $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Carson Shane Wilhite is scheduled for sentencing on January 13, 2023, before United States District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. The case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Integral Ecology Research Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems, analyzed and documented the environmental damage.

The restitution amount of $46,680 will be paid to the U.S. Forest Service. The investigation revealed the extent of the environmental damage caused by Wilhite’s activities, which included the destruction of natural habitats and resources.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case. The charges against Wilhite include conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

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