Month: August 2021

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

About six months ago, Glenn County Sheriff’s detectives began receiving complaints about a strong odor of marijuana coming from the building at 827 South Tehama Street, Willows.

Detective Travis Johnsen investigated the building twice, once on July 15 and again on July 27. Both times Det. Johnsen went near the property, he could smell the strong odor of what he recognized to be fresh marijuana, not burnt marijuana. The smell was obviously coming from the property.

On July 27, Det. Johnsen spoke over the phone with Willows Fire Chief Wayne Peabody. Chief Peabody told Det. Johnsen that on May 22, the Willows Fire Department was dispatched to the Tehama Street property for a report of arcing power lines.

Peabody explained the lines were arcing near the service drop at the property. The service drop is where the power lines actually attach to the building and go to the main electrical panel.

The fire department responded and extinguished the fire.

Chief Peabody also said that on July 25, the Willows Fire Department responded again to the property for a report of the power lines on fire at the building. During both incidents, the fire chief was unable to contact anyone inside.

Chief Peabody noted the building was completely covered and all doors and windows had plastic sheets preventing anyone from being able to see inside. The chief attempted to look in all the windows in an attempt to see if there was smoke or active fire in the building, but he was unable to see inside.

Chief Peabody told Det. Johnsen the most likely cause of both fires was too much electricity going through the power lines, which were not designed to supply the amount of electricity the building was currently using. This is especially noteworthy since in the past the building had been used to serve as a shop with welding and other tools that would have required a significant amount of power.

Chief Peabody told Det. Johnsen that both times he responded to the building, there was the strong odor of marijuana at the property. The chief believed there were more than six plants (the maximum number that can legally be grown) inside the building both times he responded.

Because the fire chief could not make contact with anyone inside the building, he requested PG&E disconnect the power to the building for safety.

Det. Johnsen was aware that marijuana cultivation sites normally use a very large amount of electricity to operate grow lights, fans, air purifiers, and other electrical devices. It is not unusual for a marijuana cultivation site to use up to three times the power that a building or residence normally uses.

Glenn County Sheriff’s Detective Zachery Lopeteguy went to the property on July 27. He was able to see into the fenced area through a break in the fence.

He saw what appeared to be large pots filled with potting soil, and a Honeywell air conditioner or air purifier. These items are consistent with marijuana cultivation sites.

A records check with the City of Willows showed there was no business registered at the location.

Members of the Glenn Investigations and Narcotics Task Force (GLINTF), with the assistance of several outside agencies, executed a marijuana-related search warrant at the South Tehama Street property on July 27. The Willows Fire Department, PG&E and CHP also responded to the area for a power line that melted, fell across Tehama Street, and started a small grass fire two days earlier.

The Willows Fire Department put out the fire and turned off the power to the building at during that incident.

During the service of the search warrant on July 27, investigators found a commercial grade marijuana grow inside of the heavily fortified building. The building and shop behind it were converted into a two-story building, which included living quarters for several individuals.

Investigators found about 3,000 marijuana stems in grow pots throughout the building. Unknown persons removed most of the marijuana from the premises prior to the service of the search warrant, leaving only the base stems.

The involved parties left behind cultivation equipment, including LED grow lighting, miscellaneous chemicals and carbon dioxide air tanks. It appeared the involved parties illegally installed several central air conditioning units to the building and completed other non-permitted electrical modifications on the building.

The electrical modifications are considered contributory to the electrical overload and melted the downed power line several days earlier.

The City of Willows responded and deemed the building uninhabitable. Investigators did not locate any persons inside of the building during the service of the search warrant.

Investors from out of the area are responsible for the property. GLINTF is still investigating the incident.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in the safe execution of this operation: the Glenn County District Attorney’s Office, Glenn County Probation Department, and the Willows Fire Department.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

What was supposed to be a purchase turned into a robbery and murder.

As reported here almost two months ago, a man was shot to death south of Orland shortly before dusk on Tuesday, June 8.

Law enforcement officers rushed to the scene about 8 p.m. For the location, they were at first told only that it was at County Roads M and 20. A little later, an address on Road M, just south of Road 20, was given.

The Orland Volunteer Fire Department and Westside Ambulance were then called to the area and asked to stage nearby for a victim of a “GSW” (gunshot wound). Law enforcement quickly secured the scene, however, and the medical personnel were soon brought in.

The victim was at the back of the short driveway. From the street, they could be seen working hard to save the man’s life.

Despite their efforts, medical personnel eventually had to give up.

The Observer asked Sgt. Greg Felkins if he had any information, but he said he knew very little at that time. “I don’t even know who he is,” he said.

He knew only that he was a Hispanic male adult, and that he was an “11-44” (deceased).

The son of the homeowner said that the man was shot nearby, not outside their home. He said he and his family were inside when they heard two gunshots.

The victim came to the property from the back and died in the driveway.

This was not the end of the situation, however. Law enforcement officers believed the shooter or shooters took refuge in a neighboring house.

Officers surrounded the house for several hours, and a CHP helicopter was brought in. Nothing was found after a thorough search that continued until after midnight.

More information is now known, however. According to an official document, law enforcement personnel on-scene learned the shooting had occurred at 6657 County Road 20.

At some point, three occupants of the home were detained: Katon Clark, Matthew Gentry, and Alfredo Ordaz.

Detective Travis Johnsen was called to the scene to investigate the homicide. He learned the Road 20 property was used for the purpose of cultivating, processing, and selling marijuana.

Ordaz was the property owner and Gentry was at the property allegedly for the purpose of assisting Ordaz with the sales of the marijuana. The shooting victim was also involved in the sales of marijuana at the property.

More specifically, Gentry allegedly acted as a “broker” to help Ordaz find buyers for the drugs. Clark also allegedly acted as a “broker” to help people interested in buying marijuana find the drug.

Earlier on June 8, Clark arrived at the Road 20 property to speak with Gentry and Ordaz about buying marijuana. Clark arranged for two men to come to the property.

They arrived at the location in a white VW Passat, and the two men looked at the marijuana Ordaz and the soon-to-be shooting victim had for sale. The two men agreed to buy 100 pounds of marijuana, but when the soon-to-be victim brought out the 100 pounds of pot, one of the men produced a firearm and shot the victim in the leg.

The victim fled to the neighbor’s driveway on County Road M, where he soon died. Ordaz, Clark, and Gentry fled into the house on Road 20, while the suspects took the 100 pounds of marijuana and left the area in the Volkswagen.

Ordaz and Gentry reportedly had never met the suspects before. Clark had allegedly been introduced to the suspects through a mutual friend.

Clark allegedly admitted he had been communicating with the suspects via his cell phone. He told Det. Johnsen his cell phone would contain phone numbers and messages to the suspects that would primarily be for the purpose of buying marijuana.

Clark reportedly admitted that he had been involved in the buying of marijuana for several years. He told Det. Johnsen he recently brokered other marijuana deals.

Clark told Det. Johnsen the two suspects, whom Clark claimed he knew only as Roger and Kalifa, flew to Sacramento from Atlanta on June 8 to purchase the marijuana. Clark said he met the suspects for the first time when he met them at the airport.

From the airport, the suspects followed Clark to the Road 20 property.

This was not the first time it was discovered the property at 6657 County Road 20 was being used to cultivate and sell illegal amounts of marijuana. On August 13, 2018, GLINTF raided the property and arrested Alfredo Ordaz, 29, on charges alleging cultivation of more than six marijuana plants (a misdemeanor), and keeping a place to sell controlled substances (a felony).

He pled guilty to both charges on June 5, 2019, and was sentenced to court probation for 36 months, and fines and fees.

“… if only I had opposable thumbs!” Unfortunately, you can’t win a relay race if you can’t hold onto the baton. So learned Bernard, a three-year-old long-haired Chihuahua (or something rather similar) at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo. Bernard is good with other dogs, a trait that is consistent with the Olympic spirit. If you are interested in adopting this wonderful dog, call (530) 517-1754 to arrange to see him in person. The Town and Country Humane Society shelter is located on Highway 99 between County Roads 21 and 23, south of Orland. It is a nonprofit run by volunteers committed to the idea of making life better for our furry friends. Glenn County Observer photo by Larry Judkins.

Here are the latest incident reports from the Orland Police Department.

Friday, July 23:

3:37 p.m., on Newville Road at Eighth Street, an Orland police officer attempted to stop a mini-bike for multiple moving and equipment violations. The rider failed to yield and officers pursued the rider until the bike became disabled in the area of Sixth Street and Almond Way. The rider fled into an orchard. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the rider. The mini-bike was seized.

4:45 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance at Orland Immediate Care, 1361 Cortina Drive. Officers were delayed due to priority traffic. Officers called the employee, who had left for the day, and the other involved party left the business.

6:20 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a request for a welfare check on an unrestrained child outside the Farwood Bar & Grill, 705 Fifth Street. Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle and determined the child was in a rear facing third row seat and there was not a violation.

6:51 p.m., Orland police officers responded to 1637 Railroad Avenue for a report of a medical aid due to severe burns. Officers assisted until no longer needed.

7:10 p.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious person who might be under the influence at the Pilot Travel Center, 4444 Commerce Lane. Officers contacted Elaine Howard, 71, an Orland area transient, and determined she was not under the influence. She was, however, arrested and booked for a misdemeanor Glenn County warrant.

Saturday, July 24:

12:54 a.m., Orland police officers responded to an alarm activation at the Orland Unified School District, 903 South Street. Officers found an unsecured door and cleared the business. There were no signs of forced entry and the building was secured by officers.

2:56 a.m., on Newport Avenue at Watts Avenue, an Orland police officer issued a parking citation to a white 2001Chevy Express van for illegal parking.

10:06 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to Grocery Outlet, 1026 South Street, to check the welfare of a woman. Officers contacted Marlene Lara, 40, of Willows. Officers provided Lara with assistance and transportation to the bus stop.

10:40 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a custody issue in front of the Orland Police Department. Officers contacted Sharon Tewsley, 57, who was provided with information.

12:21 p.m., Alejandro Cuevas, 41, of Orland reported his silver 2007 Nissan Frontier truck was stolen from behind his residence at 20 Swift Street during the night.

2:56 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the Orland Stop and Shop, 10 Walker Street, for a reported non-injury traffic collision. Officers assisted the parties exchange information.

7:53 p.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of East Street for a report of an intoxicated man. Officers contacted Gustavo Valdivia, 22, of Orland, who agreed to go in for the night.

8:03 p.m., an Orland woman reported her 15-year-old daughter had not returned home on East Walker Street and believed she ran away. Officers were later able to find the girl and returned her to her mother.

10:30 p.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of loud music at 14 East Shasta Street. Officers contacted the homeowner, who agreed to turn the music off for the night.

11:30 p.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of loud music in the area of the 100 block of Chapman Street. Officers checked the area and found it quiet.

11:46 p.m., Orland police officers were again dispatched to a report of an alarm sounding at the Orland Unified School District, 903 South Street. Officers found the building was secure and there were no signs of forced entry.

Sunday, July 25:

1:30 a.m., at 928 Woodward Avenue, Sydney Sellers, 25, of Orland, reported someone slashed her a tire on her gray 2015 Chevy Cruze.

2:17 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of shots heard in the area of East Shasta Street. Officers conducted an area check but were unable to locate any signs or evidence of a shooting. Extra patrol was provided.

6:14 a.m., Orland police officers responded to 407 Woodward Avenue for a report of a suspicious circumstance. Octavio Lamas, 33, stated he was robbed and was suffering from two broken ankles. Lamas was transported to a local hospital and an investigation was initiated.

7:31 a.m., Kelli Paillon, 61, of Orland, reported her registration sticker had been stolen from her 2004 Buick Century.

1:30 p.m., the Orland Police Department received a report from the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office regarding a theft that occurred in Orland.

3:17 p.m., on South Street at Marin Street, an Orland police officer conducted an enforcement stop on a silver 2003 Ford Focus. Austin Garcia, 22, of Red Bluff, was cited for allegedly failing to stop at a posted stop sign.

9 p.m., the Orland Police Department was contacted by an anonymous woman regarding ongoing harassment. Officers provided information to the woman and advised her of her options.

Monday, July 26:

12:01 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to 259 Gable Drive for a report of an argument between neighbors. Officers contacted Cecilia Gamboa, 37, and Tod Thiele, 52. Gamboa and Thiele were counseled and advised of their options.

9:10 a.m., an Orland police officer conducted an enforcement stop on A Street on a black 2008 Ford Crown Victoria for allegedly failing to yield for a pedestrian. The driver, Jesus Martinez, 54, of Orland, was subsequently arrested for allegedly giving a false name and for driving on a suspended driver’s license.

9:38 a.m., an Orland police officer located a green 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche parked on Swift Street with an expired registration. A parking citation was issued to the registered owner.

10:15 a.m., on Fourth Street, an Orland police officer located a silver 2021 Honda minivan that had not been moved for several days. The vehicle was marked for abatement.

11:05 a.m., on South Street, an Orland police officer conducted an enforcement stop on a silver BMW for an equipment violation. The driver, Christian Martinez, 36, of Chico, was cited for allegedly talking on his cell phone.

2:22 p.m., Orland police officers responded for a possible deceased person at 1011 Newport Avenue. Officers responded and found a 60-year-old woman was deceased in her apartment. A report was taken and she was turned over to the Glenn County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

5 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the report of a possible sexual assault. An investigation was initiated.

6:14 p.m., Orland police officers responded to 1441 Pine Street for a report of a stolen cell phone. Officers contacted Herlindo Duran-Paredes, 30, of Orland. After an on-scene investigation, Paredes was arrested on a felony Glenn County warrant.

8:49 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of a physical altercation at the Pilot Travel Center, 4444 Commerce Lane. Officers contacted Patrick Gifford, 65, of San Jose, and David Gutierrez, 63, of Orland. Neither party wanted to pursue criminal charges.

Tuesday, July 27:

3:43 a.m., an Orland police officer observed a black Honda Accord at the Stop and Shop, 10 Walker Street, with a missing license plate. The owner of the vehicle, Joshua Huffman, 37, of Willows, was contacted and it was determined that Huffman had recently purchased the vehicle. Officers determined the license plate did not match the vehicle and it was collected to be returned to the DMV.

8:01 a.m., Orland police officers responded to a report of an oven fire at 226 East Shasta Street. Officers provided assistance until no longer needed by fire personnel.

5:49 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the report of theft of security cameras at 132 Eighth Street. Officers contacted Hank Huggins, 80, of Orland, who reported that someone took one on his security cameras. Officers then contacted Todd Jordan, 58, of Orland, who said that he took the camera down due to it filming his backyard. The camera was returned to Huggins and Jordan was counseled. The incident was documented and both parties were provided information on how to obtain a restraining order.

6:41 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a welfare check at 731 Jacquelyn Drive. Officers contacted the resident, James Welk, 61, of Orland, who declined any assistance from the Orland Police Department.

7 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the area of 100 Fifth Street for a report of a suspicious person walking around. Officers were unable to locate anything suspicious.

Wednesday, July 28:

5:31 a.m., the Orland Police Department received a single report from an anonymous reporting party of a single shot heard in the area of East Chapman and Walnut Streets. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate any evidence of a shooting.

7:55 a.m., on Walker Street, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a white 2010 Toyota Corolla. The driver, Tessa Pritchard, 54, of Flournoy, was issued a citation for alleged expired registration and no proof of insurance.

12:38 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a disturbance at 1307 Fairview Street. Officers contacted Michael Rangel, 25, of Orland, who was in a verbal disturbance with other family members over a child custody issue. All parties were counselled and agreed to mediate any further issues.

1:18 p.m., on South Street, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a gray 2006 BMW X5. The driver, Lance Mooney, 51, of Orland, was issued a citation for allegedly speeding.

3:53 p.m., on Sixth Street, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a gray 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer for a speeding violation. The driver, Allan Rueda, 31, of Orland, was issued a citation for allegedly driving with a suspended license.

4:40 p.m., Orland police officers responded to a disturbance at 1307 Fairview Street. Officers contacted Michael Rangel, 25, of Orland, who was arrested for a probation violation.

9:41 p.m., the Orland Police Department received a request to conduct a welfare check of the resident at 1011 Newport Avenue, apt. 37. Officers contacted the residents, who stated they were fine and not in need of assistance.

Thursday, July 29:

1:43 a.m., officers conducted a welfare check of a man sleeping in the Pilot Travel Center parking lot. The man stated he was fine and declined any assistance.

3:22 a.m., Orland police officers received a report of an alarm sounding at 1407 East South Street. Officers contacted the reporting party, Wade Holder, 47, of Orland, who was found to have a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. The alarm was determined to be sounding from the inside of an RV and no signs of forced entry or damage were located. Holder was arrested for the warrant and booked into the Glenn County Jail.

6:39 a.m., on Papst Avenue, an Orland police officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a brown Chevrolet Silverado. The driver, Manuel Constante, 56, of Orland, was issued a citation for tinted windows.

11:34 a.m., on Yolo Street at First Street, an Orland police officer contacted Denise Reynolds of Orland. Reynolds was given notice that her license is suspended.

11:41 a.m., Orland police officers responded to Walker Street at Sixth Street for a report of a reckless driver who was involved in a traffic collision. Officers contacted Michael Wilcox, 39, of Chico. Following an investigation, Wilcox was cited for alleged possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while unlicensed.

3:28 p.m., Laura Boman called the police department regarding a civil custody issue. Boman was provided with information.

4:21 p.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle on A Street at Shasta Street. Officers contacted Ray Wallis, 37, Steven Teague, 64, and Shavonne Prescott, 39, all of Orland, who were told of the complaint.

10:21 p.m., Orland police officers responded to the report of a suspicious circumstances at the Berry Patch Restaurant on Newville Road. Officers contacted Casey Gingerich, 47, and Christopher Moreci, 32, both of Orland. Both men had been drinking and were driven home by family.

Friday, July 30:

6:44 a.m., Orland police officers were dispatched to a suspicious truck parked in the roadway in the 100 block of Yolo Street. Officers contacted Humberto Santana Cervantes, 44, of Orland. Following an evaluation, Cervantes was arrested and booked for alleged public intoxication.