Man Gets Five-Year Prison Sentence for Huge Marijuana Grow In Los Padres National Forest Found After Dolan Fire

Jacinto Correa Cruz, a 56-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to five years in prison for operating a large illegal cannabis grow in the Los Padres National Forest, exposed after the Dolan Fire. This fire, which affected over 125,000 acres and resulted in the death of endangered California condors, was allegedly started by another illegal grower. Investigators uncovered seven illegal cannabis operations in the forest, with Cruz's site containing approximately 10,000 marijuana plants and significant environmental destruction. Federal prosecutors noted that the site included dangerous waste materials and an excessive water usage of 33,780 gallons daily during a drought. Along with his prison term, Cruz will serve three years of supervised release and pay a $35,000 fine.

This case underscores the serious environmental consequences of illegal marijuana cultivation in California's forests. Authorities continue to confront the challenges posed by such operations in protecting natural resources. Communities affected by these illegal grows are increasingly advocating for stricter enforcement and regulations.