Byron Ranch owner charged with illegally growing 419,102 bottles of marijuana

BYRON — Authorities are hoping they can seize a large sum of cash and property, but an Alameda man has been charged with three misdemeanors for allegedly growing more than 450,000 cannabis plants.

The defendant, a 50-year-old man from Alameda, has been charged with preparing a controlled substance, possessing marijuana, and permitting a site for the cultivation of marijuana, all of which are misdemeanors. Authorities said the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into him in 2022 based on information that he was illegally growing marijuana under the guise of running a cannabis business.

Police, who raided the defendant’s property at 13600 Christensen Street in June 2022, reportedly found 419,102 plants growing in 311 greenhouses, many of which Defendant allegedly lent people $1,500 a month. Officers also seized $230,000.

Police allege the Alameda man, who was trying to obtain a cannabis permit, admitted to county officials that he was running an illegal growing facility.

A subsequent raid on one of Alameda County homes found three firearms, including the assault rifle found at Alameda’s home, plus 33,949 marijuana plants, $64,962 in cash, and £3,626 of marijuana. was found. Police finally returned to Byron’s property last February and seized a further 5,302 plants, officials said.

Prosecutors have already indicated their intention to seize unspecified “assets and properties” under the State Assets Confiscation Act. The law allows police to seize money, land, vehicles and other valuables used in criminal activities or obtained through criminal activity. According to court records, the defendant is next scheduled for a pretrial hearing on June 20.