LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The service of a search warrant on Thursday by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force, California Department of Fish and Game, California Highway Patrol and the Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT Team has resulted in one arrest, the seizure of marijuana and dogs, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
Sgt. Steve Brooks said 32-year-old Matthew Ritchie Vines of Lower Lake was arrested during the operation.
On Thursday at approximately 7:15 a.m. narcotics detectives assisted the California Department of Fish and Game with the service of a search warrant for Vines’ person and home, Brooks said. Also assisting Fish and Game was Lake County Code Enforcement and Lake County Animal Control.
When officers arrived, Vines and a female adult were detained without incident, Brooks said.
During the search, officers located 180 marijuana plants that Vines admitted were his. Vines said he was a member of a marijuana cooperative, according to Brooks.
Fish and Game Officers investigating the case determined that Vines had built a large dam which blocked a seasonal creek. Brooks said the investigation revealed that Vines was diverting water from the creek to water his marijuana plants.
Numerous firearms were located in several different locations on the property along with a vehicle which had been reported stolen out of Texas, Brooks said. Vines had told officers that he and his female companion had recently moved from Texas to Lake County.
Also located on the property were 13 adult dogs and several puppies. Brooks said the dogs did not have an adequate supply of water or food and appeared to be suffering from malnutrition. Lake County Animal Control Officers seized the animals and sought medical attention for them, with one of the animals appearing to have a facial injury.
Vines was arrested for cultivation of marijuana, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and water diversion. Brooks said he was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and Booked.
His bail was set at $15,000. Jail records indicated he later posted the required percentage of bail and was released.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.