Federal prosecutors unsealed a complaint alleging Joshua Jacob Hester, cited as the ringleader, and 11 other people, grew, bought, and sold too much marijuana, most of which ended up at Green Kross Collective at Pacific Beach and the Downtown Kush Lounge at San Diego.
It's a complicated case involving a complex issue, alleging Hester, and company, conspired to distribute and manufacture marijuana, then laundered their pot money. The U.S. Attorney's Office at San Diego unsealed, and publicly released, a 22-page complaint filed at federal court, but refused to comment further.
Hester was arrested at a West Hollywood residence. The Rancho Santa Fe connection was the 15702 Circo Diegueno Road house that went on the market in early May. It's listed at $1.2 million to $1.35 million with five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, on 3.5 acres in the Del Rayo community -- Multiple Listing Service # 100029095.
The house is a "fixer," according to the listings, perfect for "someone looking to design, or remodel, a home for their personal residence. Great location. Next door to Rancho Valencia Resort and Diegueno Country School."
And oh, by the way, the house, had an added benefit, according to listings. It featured a "bonus room."
Indeed, the bonus room was revealed by federal authorities to be accessible through a hidden door behind a bookshelf. Authorities alleged Hester bought the home in May 2007, using then-girlfriend Kelsey Wiedenhoefer as a front-woman.
Authorities said Hester grew 89 marijuana plants there. Authorities frequently say one plant yields one pound of pot, although medical marijuana growers say one indoor plant yields about one-half pound. Wholesale medical marijuana sells for about $2,000 per pound, according to Jon Gettman of Drugscience.org, while retail prices are about $4,000 per pound.
Investigators relied on informants and wiretaps to bust the Hester operation. Some, or all, of the defendants are expected to appear at federal court in San Diego on Monday, July 11.
Source: Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe
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