Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor COVINA – Police seized and destroyed 1,000 marijuana plants after serving a search warrant at a home February 16. The marijuana was being cultivated in the 300 block of East Grovecenter Street, according to Sgt. Josh Turner of the Covina Police Department. It is not yet clear if any arrests were made. The plants were taken to an incinerator at the Port of Long Beach where they were destroyed, Turner told SGV CityWatch. “If you notice a house in your neighborhood that looks unoccupied, see people coming and going at random hours, and has multiple new AC units installed; could be signs of marijuana cultivation operation,” according to the Covina Police Department in a written statement. Anyone who suspects a similar operation in a residential or business area can call the Covina Police non-emergency line at 626-384-5808. Information can be provided anonymously by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org. Written by AARON CASTREJON CityWatch Editor COVINA - Investigators are seeking additional victims of a man who they allege extorted illicit images and video from teen victims and threatened violence if they didn’t comply.
Joel Villegas, 34, allegedly posed as a 17-year-old on Instagram under the name Jay Gomez and username “jay_the_big_beast.” Villegas allegedly asked to exchange phone numbers and GPS locations with the teens and threatened them afterwards, according to the Covina Police Department. “Once Villegas obtains the minor’s home GPS location, he will demand explicit images and videos from the minor. If the minor refuses, Villegas sends the victim images of firearms, and threatens violence up to murder against his victims and their families,” according to the Covina Police Department in a written statement. A search warrant was served at Villegas’ home where he was arrested February 9. Villegas was booked on suspicion of possessing child porn, criminal threats and extortion, according to the Covina Police Department. Villegas posted $50,000 bond. If you or your child have been contacted by this Instagram account or have additional information, you are urged to call Covina Police Detective Seok Lee 626-384-5615. Reference incident #21-25484. |
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