Hempcon Aftermath

Members of the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant at a residence located at 219 N Lincoln Street in Redlands a short time ago. The search warrant was the result of an on-going investigation which originated at the Hempcon marijuana show in San Bernardino. Hempcon was a three day event held at the National Orange Show Event Center, April 18-20, 2014. Undercover Sheriff’s narcotics investigators attended the Hempcon event and were allowed access into a restricted area where marijuana, marijuana edibles and products were being sold and free samples of various forms of marijuana were being distributed. Although a checkpoint and personnel were in place with signs indicating the area was restricted for medical marijuana patients, the undercover investigator was not checked for identification or a medical marijuana recommendation. California medical marijuana laws specifically apply to qualified medical marijuana patients. The distribution and sales of marijuana to non-qualified medical marijuana patients constitutes the illegal distribution and sales of marijuana. While inside the restricted area, investigators were approached by a couple who identified themselves as George and Betty Vickery. The Vickerys gave investigators free samples of marijuana candy and indicated they were soliciting customers for their business “Mema’s Delectable Medibles.” Throughout the venue, undercover investigators were approached by vendors seeking customers interested in making large purchases of marijuana and marijuana products. As of late, undercover investigators assigned to the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team purchased a substantial quantity of edible marijuana products from the Vickery’s at their residence. The Vickery's made no effort to confirm if the investigators were medical marijuana patients or if they had any lawful justification to purchase and distribute marijuana. A search warrant was prepared and served at the residence in Redlands. The Vickery's were cultivating and processing marijuana at their residence. The entire residence, including the kitchen where the marijuana products were being processed and prepared, was in a condition of squalor with animal feces, marijuana and marijuana products strewn throughout. The Vickery's two children (13 year-old male and 15 year-old female) were also living in the residence. Child Protective Services responded and took custody of the children due to the unsafe living conditions. George and Betty Vickery were arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for sales of marijuana. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840.