5/28/24
Redmond, OR. – Official Release: On May 22, 2024, at 7:00 am, detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Team (DCIMME) executed a search warrant in the 8000 Block of Yucca Avenue, Redmond Oregon. This long-term investigation resulted in the arrest of two Deschutes County residents, Robert Thibodeau and Michael Howard.
DCIMME seized of over 400 illegal marijuana plants which were being grown in a 4,700 square foot shop on a 40-acre parcel of land. This investigation has led detectives to believe the marijuana was grown for the purposes of being distributed onto the black market out of the state. In addition to the marijuana seized, two firearms and a large sum of U.S. Currency was also seized pursuant to the search warrant.
During the execution of the search warrant, unpermitted electrical hazards including dangerous building modifications were located on site. Black mold and leaking septic were also located on the premises. While investigators were on scene, wind speeds were topping nearly 30 mph. large compost piles from the marijuana disposal on the property began to combust resulting in a fire danger to the surrounding properties. Redmond fire responded to the location to extinguish the compost piles to avoid a possible wildland fire.
Both Thibodeau and Howard were transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail without incident.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Team would like to thank the following agencies whom assisted in dismantling this large illegal drug operation: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, City of Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Redmond Fire and Rescue, Oregon Army National Guard, Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, Lane County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, Deschutes County Code Enforcement and Central Oregon Water Resources.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
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