Print
E-mail
Share
digg
Newsvine
Facebook
Stumble
Technorati
reddit
Fark
twitterFour charged after $7 million Vegas pot operation busted
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 | 3:50 p.m.
Marijuana bust
Related story
Federal charges have been filed against four people for allegedly growing marijuana in one of the largest seizures ever in Las Vegas.
The charges were filed after federal and local law enforcement officials searched a warehouse near Interstate 15 and West Desert Inn Road in June and discovered 2,000 marijuana plants, said U.S. Attorney Greg Brower of Nevada.
An indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Wednesday charges 40-year-old Jeffrey Talley, 41-year-old Alicia Talley, 35-year-old Jim Castaneda, Jr., 51-year-old Craig Huber, all of Las Vegas, with conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.
Jeffrey and Alicia Talley are also charged with money laundering conspiracy, Brower said.
The four were arrested Aug. 6 and appeared before a federal magistrate judge Aug. 7. Jeffrey Talley is in federal detention until trial. The others were released on personal recognizance bonds.
From about April 2004 through Aug. 6, the four allegedly grew about 2,000 marijuana plants and planned to distribute at least 100 pounds of marijuana, according to the court records.
On June 25, Drug Enforcement Administration agents and detectives and Metro Police officers took a search warrant to 3350 Pinks Place, the location of the warehouse. Inside, officers and agents found the marijuana plants growing in six rooms. The plants' value could have netted $7 million worth of marijuana for distributing, court records indicated.
The rooms where the plants grew contained equipment such as humidifiers, 1,000-watt light bulbs, oscillating fans and water pumps.
Jeffrey and Alicia Talley made 10 cash deposits into their bank accounts between March 31 and April 24, each in amounts less than $10,000 for a total of $61,690 in an attempt to avoid filing currency transaction reports to the IRS.
The indictment also alleges that if the four are convicted they will forfeit up to $7.5 million in cash and properties. Federal agents seized on Aug. 6 about $500,000 in property at the Talley home, including a Kenworth tractor truck, a customized Kenworth motor home/truck, aa power generator, a chopper motorcycle, a Chevrolet Suburban and a racing trailer.
The case in being investigated by the DEA, IRS, Metro Police, Henderson Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kishan Nair and Lucas Foletta.
Discussion: 27 comments so far…
Post a comment
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Shooting in parking lot of CVS leaves man dead
- Man, 26, dies in collision with truck traveling at 100 mph
- Holiday shoppers skip turkey for Strip stores
- Nevada’s just not for us, many top high schoolers say
- Casino venue in Singapore will have Las Vegas flavor
- CityCenter completion might spur home foreclosures
- Fontainebleau retail component seeks bankruptcy
- MGM Mirage: CityCenter not affected by debt woes
- Holiday Auction 2009 items
- Real estate experts cautiously optimistic about market
Blogs
The Kats Report
Could a savior of shuttered Las Vegas Art Museum be ... Peter Max? (5 Comments)
For Paul Stanley and KISS, rock and roll is not over (5 Comments)
Twenty years ago today, Human Nature took root on the farm (1 Comment)
Robin Leach's Las Vegas Celebrity Watch
Photo Gallery: Donny Osmond’s triumphant return to the Flamingo
The Kats Report
'DWTS' champ Donny Osmond still deft afoot in return to Flamingo (8 Comments)
Politics: The Early Line
Meeting of GOP governors draws challengers, not Gibbons (5 Comments)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
Oscar loves forcing developers to sign labor peace agreements, Culinary loves the city's downtown plans and all is forgiven (10 Comments)
Calendar »
- 28 Sat
- 29 Sun
- 30 Mon
- 1 Tue
- 2 Wed
-
KISS at the Pearl
The Pearl at the Palms
-
Christopher "Kid" Reid at the LA Comedy Club
LA Comedy Club @ Trader Vic's
-
Stevie Wonder at MGM Grand
MGM Grand Garden Arena | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
UNLV Rebels vs. Louisville at the Thomas & Mack Center
The Thomas & Mack Center | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
-
Joe Perry Project at the House of Blues
House of Blues | 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
-
Vicente Fernandez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center
Mandalay Bay Events Center | 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Jay Leno at The Mirage
Terry Fator Theatre
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
I bet these pot smokers will be put in some cult Christian 12 step program...right rejco?
How do you manufacture marijuana?
Can you get stimulus funds for your operation?
At least these guys were finding some way to make money in Vegas that didn't involve crime or casinos. Wait - the ganj hasn't been legalized yet? Sheesh
Another SUCCESSFUL family farm DESTROYED by the government for "BREAKING their MAKE-BELIEVE laws!.
reagan21 That's right, plus never-ending "Pot is bad for you" group therapy nonsense.
Where's FARM AID when you really need them?
That's 7 million dollars that might have been put into the Vegas Economy.
And this bust will do absolutely nothing to help anyone or solve any problem.
Just something for a bunch of dumbass, fatass cops to talk about at the coffee machine , while their stuffing donuts in their mouth.
YIPPEE, you talk some pot off the street. Like anybody friggin cares.
PeterGun -- excellent point made.
The question AGAIN -- who was or could be hurt by this grow operation and the product?
This is a good example of government as a predator off its leash and actively on the hunt.
"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others." - Thomas Jefferson, "Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781-82"
"The best hemp and the best tobacco grow on the same kind of soil." - Thomas Jefferson
In stories like these, is any attempt ever made to interview the accused, or those they may designate to speak on their behalf?
It reads like another account based upon nothing more than law enforcement press releases.
As a smoker I just wanted you to know that our overbearing government is in the process of taking away our recreational land (SNORE,MRAN,BITD Racing) here in Nevada and depositing them into for profit solar power entities (for California) which will subsidize Nevada and it's residents $0.00. Please help protest the Marxism of our Country. Vote Senator Harry Reid out of office next year. Please.
Marijuana is not manufactured--I think a more appropriate word would be "cultivated".
This nation is out of cash, and its balance sheets are only headed further into the red as payrolls, income, sales and capital gains continue to plummet. To address this recent reality, new and perhaps more creative--dare I say, progressive--sources of revenue are needed, the sooner the better.
Obviously Nevada already has gaming covered and even some, but not nearly enough of the prostitution market regulated and taxed. As a state, Nevada needs to take cultural acceptance to the next level and decriminalize marijuana and cocaine. (I have used bodybuilding supplements more dangerous than cocaine for years and am in great health, haven't seen a doctor in 5 years).
I propose following:
1. Legalize prostitution across the board. Clients and professionals are subject to 8% tax on earnings. Licensing includes registerig with a state CPA to track income and prostitution pros must have valid
license on them while on street.
2. Decriminalize pot and coke. Marijuana may be carried to a max of 1
Lb per individual, more indicates intent to distribute and may result in jail time.
Pot an coke taxed at 15%. Cocaine may be obtained through government-monitored pharmacies in form of 12x1 milligram (mg), like a Z-Pak essentially. One must be 25 or older to obtain cocaine. Maximum of 2 prescriptions of 12 x 1mg per individual per year, max of 24 per annum.
3. "Mom and Pop" / small- business gaming to be legal. Income taxed at near same rate as casinos. Proper license required. Ex. ; individuals may lease in strip malls and small buildings to create card clubs. We have them in CA. Small businesses operating as gambling enterprises must have security present, req by state.
4. Institute a flat tax as alternative to rates aforementioned. Income is exempT, if you're not familiar with the flat tax.
Petergun -
Vancouver BC has a billion + shadow economy from MJ. Canada at large - has a multi Billion dollar ganja economy and that is why the RCMP do not make a serious attempt to shut down grow operations.
I have never heard of anyone smokeing pot and robbing a store?Nor have i ever heard of anyone getting murdered after someone smoked pot?It is a weed that grows in the wild!You can take a handful of seeds,throw them out and it will grow on its own.Native Americans use it in ceremonies.If done right,it would provide millions upon millions of tax dollars!It would take away from the drug cartels that are supplying the guys on the corner!I dont smoke,but it sure seems like a good way to take from those that use the money for power and death.
in booze you lose, in dope ya hope.(you dont get caught.)
There is actually an organization located here in Las Vegas trying to change marijuana laws. Let's band together, show our support and join www.mppnv.org. Check it out, they are our best bet for making a difference.
You know....I work with kids and kids grow up to be adults and as an ex smoker i can tell you like all drugs they stop working after a while..and those kids (some go on to the next drug that works....plus if you feel the need to change your brain there is somthing wrong........i think we should tax and legalize and stigmatize.....bottome line if you have to use a drug ... your weak...you have no personality.. and you need to change your brain to feel ok and and at peace.......as I said i use to smoke and i'm old now ( not that old) that crap does nothing for you except make you weak....and reliant.....so smoke up loosers and let us reap some tax income
Just legalize the stuff already.
Rocco,
#1. "I work with kids", this is a scary thing. Please immediately inform all parents reading this when and where you work with these kids so we can get them the hell away from you. From the sound of your grammar and unique writing techniques, you did not pass 3rd grade.
#2. " they stop working after a while", you got dirt weed.
#3. i think we should tax and legalize", you are a greedy sell out who would go against your own beliefs for money. you are a schmuck.
#4. "that crap does nothing for you except make you weak." Cross my path in a dark alley and I will show you weak!
.
rocco didn't sound all that bad to me considering pretty soft expectations for perfect grammar or composition skills with this audience, medium and apparent standards.
In other words, perhaps in spite of minor details, the message he sent was clear; he did it 'til he got sick of it and threw it away.
In his honorable self-deprecating concession he admitted to human inclinations toward recreational drug use and shared a deeply held belief that inhaling gobs of dope may get you high for awhile, but it takes its toll on lung function, brain function and self-worth, not to mention the bottom line.
Smoking an ounce a month at $300 is only $3600 a year, $36,000 in ten years. That's a down payment on...
Cost of first MRI, CAT scan, treatment...
loss of quality of life.
of life her own self.
Smoking dope may be fine for those in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and seventies, but as you age you naturally reflect and shed patterns that you deem other than ideal for maximizing happiness on this planet. Not sayin' weed is not good. Just not for me. Now.
Now, brownies, space cake, green butter...way less whack on the lung, but same rocco issue, having to toxify in order to smile or dance or play or be comfortable in your skin.
Maybe hide the bong for a week and see how much less you miss it.
Manufactured?WTF?
Yes,ScottsdaleSun13 "cultivated" is the word they wanted to use.
Sorry,but here in the county education is in a sad state of affairs.
I am from back east and this is definitely like nowhere I have ever been before or will ever go again and I have been around including many countries overseas.It is part of an ongoing problem with underfunded schools and an ambivalent society who are for the most part overly content with their ho hum lifestyles.Sad with all the money that passes through here that the school system should be so blase.
Really sad to see the lack of "can do" spirit that once prevailed in this country and made it great.I quite agree with your points.Why waste time with criminalizing something that should instead be regulated and taxed? I can only imagine that the powers that be must fear a reshuffling of the cards where they come out on the losing end.
By keeping things illegal corruption exists and the payoffs keep rolling into police,judges,politicians and the like.If people wanted real change they should speak up because not speaking up has got them in this mess they are in now.
Things like prostitution and weed are really side shows for nerds and fools.Having grown up in a town where people had serious fortunes I often knew that none of their children were ever going to be in jobs trying to catch prostitutes or arrest drug dealers and the reason why was, because that was considered a fool's errand.Which means like pissing in the wind.
Instead of wasting alot of money on fool's errands it would be money better spent to do a top to bottom revamp of the education system and train your kids for the new future.Make Clark County a place where pot is not frowned upon but hemp is viewed for it's benefits like in housing.Hemp materials make excellent walls that are cheap and energy efficient.
They say that the highest level of thought is thinking outside the box.Humans begin at a repetitive level or copying level than move into an associative level from there they actually begin thinking for themselves and making connections where there are not clear ones.For example a person sees a bees honeycomb than comes up with a geodesic dome idea.This is where we should be pointing our children.
But we are not doing so.......
Pot causes a lot of brain damage. I shood know, I have lotys of
Brain drainage
They broke the law, they got busted.
The confiscated property will help the LV economy more than a bunch of people running around wasted and breaking into houses to get more drug money ever will. Good job Metro!
7.5 million in cash and property confiscated, listed was a few hundred thousand dollars worth of vehicles. Was the rest of the 7 million in cash? That will buy a lot of police cars, Way to go!
One more thing....Pot IS bad for you.
A wonderfully successful, highly profitable Capitalist enterprise destroyed by government interference. Perhaps I was wrong and we are heading for a communistic police society. Darn that Obama!
It makes me wonder why the government doesn't legalize marijuana. First thing They could tax it,we all know too well how that gets them all tingley inside. Secondly,What better way to go about destroying the UNITED STATES if you can keep the populace distracted. Whats the difference between pot and all the anti- depresants being shoved down our throats? As long as the lobbyist from the drug industry have the money and power in washington,One hand will continue to wash the other.
I forgot what I was going to say,but it seems harmless enough. I actually enjoy being clean, if that makes any sense. It's fun to just live, without munchies. Although I spent 40 years in a fool's paradise, I have no regrets. With nuclear flashpoins sprouting up faster than pot plants in our backyards, let's keep the perspective; Life is short,precious, nothing more important than this day, I say.I t's not a matter of if we blow ourselves up, but when.
Anyone need an extra bong? I'm done
In all seriousness, if it were legalized, do you think people would still buy it or are they only buying it now because it's "taboo"?
Moral governments don't practice in immoral, depraved and degrading social activities such as vice; activities that have ALWAYS been and will ALWAYS be private choices of societies exercising liberty.
Legalization, regulation, taxation and criminalization of social vice activities are not the roles of moral governments predicated upon protecting individual/social liberties.
Moral governments don't pimp or prosecute vice.
FWIW:
www.mppnv.org. supports government regulation and taxation of marijuana, which would NOT prevent similar raids, confiscations and criminal charges.