Marijuana Search Warrants 08/29/23-08/31/23 (Photo) - 09/01/23

INCIDENT: Marijuana Search Warrants

INCIDENT DATE: August 29-31, 2023

REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)

ARRESTED: Sou Chio Saechao, 55 years-old

                    Mey Chong Saephan, 56 years-old

                    Sage Moore, 24 years-old

                    Charles Thoman, 35 years-old

CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

                   2- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana

                   3- Unlawful Appropriation of Water

DETAILS:

Between August 29-31, 2023, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed seven search warrants regarding illegal marijuana grow sites. The warrants were executed in the 3000 Block of Walnut Avenue, Grants Pass, the 600 Block of Naue Way, Cave Junction, the 400 and 600 Block of San Francisco Street, Grants Pass, the 300 Block of Mary Harris Way, Grants Pass, and the 100 Block of Barron Circle, Cave Junction.

During the execution of the warrants, more than 5,700 marijuana plants and over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana were seized and destroyed. Additionally, 14 firearms and over $50,000 were seized from all the properties collectively.

All the properties had multiple water and/or solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the criminal forfeiture of the property. While authorities were investigating code violations, one of the marijuana grows was found to be using human feces from the properties septic tank to fertilize the plants.

Sou Chio Saecaho and Mey Chong Saephan were lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana. Sage Moore and Charles Thoman were lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, and Unlawful Appropriation of Water.

At the time of this press release the investigations are ongoing and no further details are being released.