A month long grand theft investigation culminated with the serving of a search warrant and two subsequent arrests for marijuana sales on Wednesday, June 30.
Escalon Police reported the arrests following an extensive investigation that focused initially on the use of stolen credit cards being used fraudulently within the City of Escalon. A computer and money were also taken, said police.
Office Shane Johnson was able to determine that a local juvenile, a 17-year-old, was the person responsible for using one of the stolen credit cards at an Escalon business. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was requested and signed by Judge Ron Northrup of San Joaquin County Superior Court. The warrant was later served at a location in rural San Joaquin County, in the 22000 block of Mariposa Road.
"During the search of the residence, more than two pounds of processed marijuana, which was packaged for sale, was discovered," Escalon Police Sgt. Milt Medeiros wrote in a press release regarding the incident. In addition, nine marijuana plants, two scales, jewelry, a loaded firearm, and a substantial amount of cash in various denominations were discovered."
No property related to the original theft case was recovered.
Arrested in the case was Randy Joseph Sousa, 54, of rural Escalon. He was booked into San Joaquin County Jail on $30,000 bail on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales and criminal conspiracy. The 17-year-old was booked at the San Joaquin County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of possession of marijuana for sales, personal possession of marijuana, storage of, sale or discharge of fireworks near flammable liquids, loaded firearm in possession of a minor and criminal conspiracy.
Both are expected to face further court action in the case.
Escalon Police reported the arrests following an extensive investigation that focused initially on the use of stolen credit cards being used fraudulently within the City of Escalon. A computer and money were also taken, said police.
Office Shane Johnson was able to determine that a local juvenile, a 17-year-old, was the person responsible for using one of the stolen credit cards at an Escalon business. As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was requested and signed by Judge Ron Northrup of San Joaquin County Superior Court. The warrant was later served at a location in rural San Joaquin County, in the 22000 block of Mariposa Road.
"During the search of the residence, more than two pounds of processed marijuana, which was packaged for sale, was discovered," Escalon Police Sgt. Milt Medeiros wrote in a press release regarding the incident. In addition, nine marijuana plants, two scales, jewelry, a loaded firearm, and a substantial amount of cash in various denominations were discovered."
No property related to the original theft case was recovered.
Arrested in the case was Randy Joseph Sousa, 54, of rural Escalon. He was booked into San Joaquin County Jail on $30,000 bail on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales and criminal conspiracy. The 17-year-old was booked at the San Joaquin County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of possession of marijuana for sales, personal possession of marijuana, storage of, sale or discharge of fireworks near flammable liquids, loaded firearm in possession of a minor and criminal conspiracy.
Both are expected to face further court action in the case.
