Press Release
Marijuana Grower Caught in Sequoia National Forest Sentenced
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California
FRESNO, Calif. — Juan Vicente Avalos-Castaneda, 20, of Perris, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii to four and a half years in prison for manufacturing marijuana, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, on August 18, 2013, Avalos-Castaneda was found near marijuana grow sites in the Bakeoven Pass area of the Sequoia National Forest. More than 5,000 marijuana plants were being grown at two related sites. Avalos-Castaneda attempted to run from the investigators and was captured by a trained dog. In 2012, Avalos-Castaneda was convicted of a state felony charge of manufacturing marijuana. Judge Ishii ordered Avalos-Castaneda to be turned over to United States immigration authorities for deportation following service of the prison term imposed in this case.
This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Forest Service and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Rooney prosecuted the case.
Updated January 31, 2024
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