MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force Tuesday morning resulted in five arrests, the seizure of 198 marijuana plants as well as approximately 20 pounds of processed marijuana, three firearms, illegal fireworks and $53,096 for asset forfeiture.

Sgt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the warrant service resulted in the arrests of 53-year-old Ronald Joseph Whitney of Middletown; Aaron Daniel Alexander, 25, of Lancaster, Penn.; Austin David Alexander, 30, of Maui, Hawaii; and Middletown residents Aaron Whitney, 25, and Ernest Eldridge Cosse, 38, of Middletown.

On Monday narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for Whitney’s person as well as his home, located in the 24,000 block of Highway 29 in Middletown, and served it the following day at approximately 7 a.m., Brooks said.

When narcotics detectives approached the property, two subjects ran from the marijuana grow attempting to get away. Brooks said detectives entered the residence and detained five individuals without incident.  

He said the subjects detained were Ronald Whitney, Aaron Alexander, Austin Alexander, Aaron Whitney and Cosse.

During a search of the home, detectives located approximately 20 pounds of processed marijuana, nine ounces of concentrated cannabis, 37 growing marijuana plants inside the garage and three firearms, Brooks said.

Brooks said they also seized a total of $53,096 in cash, which was located in three different safes inside the residence.  

In addition, detectives located a digital scale, packaging materials and illegal fireworks, and outside the residence found 95 marijuana plants inside three light deprivation greenhouses and 66 marijuana plants growing in various areas outside, Brooks said.

Brooks said Ronald Whitney told detectives that he was growing the marijuana for a dispensary called “Mary Jane,” which is located in the Los Angeles area.

Whitney also said he was diverting water from the creek to water his plants, believing the water in the creek belonged to him because the creek runs through his property, Brooks said.

Brooks said Whitney was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, being armed while in the commission of a felony and possession of illegal fireworks.

He reported that Aaron Alexander was arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale; Austin Alexander was arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale; Aaron Whitney was arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale; and Ernest Cosse was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and being armed while in the commission of a felony.  

All of the subjects were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, Brooks said.    

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be contacted through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.