Related Federal Cases
Marijuana Cultivator Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison
FRESNO, Calif. — Humberto Ceballos-Rangel (Ceballos), 38, of Tuxpan, Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced today to three years in prison in connection with his involvement in a large marijuana cultivation operation found by law enforcement last summer in the Sierra National Forest in Madera County.
Agents found Ceballos at a campsite within a marijuana cultivation site that caused significant damage to public land and natural resources. Native vegetation was cut to accommodate the marijuana plants, foot trails, and cooking and sleeping areas. Water was also diverted from a nearby creek to irrigate the marijuana plants. Agents found and removed from the site insecticide, propane tanks, and a large quantity of trash and hose line.
Ceballos pleaded guilty on January 19, 2016. In sentencing Ceballos, U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill ordered Ceballos to pay $8,750 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the costs of cleaning up the site.
The case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET). Assistant United States Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.
Ceballos’ actions not only harmed the environment but also posed a threat to the community, as marijuana cultivation operations often draw in other illicit activities. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activities.
The U.S. Forest Service is working tirelessly to protect public land and natural resources from the devastating effects of marijuana cultivation. This case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling these types of crimes.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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