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Upper Lake man arrested for drugs, weapons possession
UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force has resulted in one arrest and the seizure of marijuana, cash, steroids and a firearm.
Forrest Fredrick Kuecker, 34, was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales, cultivating marijuana, being armed while in the commission of a felony and possession of a controlled substance, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
On Aug. 27, narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for Kuecker's person, home and vehicle, Brooks said.
At 7:30 a.m. Aug. 28, detectives served the warrant at the residence, which is located in the 7000 block of Westlake Drive in Upper Lake. Brooks said when detectives entered the property they detained Kuecker and 31-year-old Valerie Nichole Sears of Upper Lake without incident.
During the search narcotics detectives located and seized 137 marijuana plants and approximately 30 ounces of processed marijuana, Brooks said.
Brooks said detectives also located an indoor grow room inside the residence. The grow room was set up with high pressure sodium lights which were controlled by timers.
Detectives said it appeared that Kuecker was growing marijuana year round and would harvest plants every 90 days, Brooks said. Kuecker told detectives he was growing far more marijuana plants than he needed.
Detectives located $3,800 in U.S. currency inside the master bedroom closet. All of the money was in $100 bills, which was wrapped in a $10,000 money band. Brooks said both Sears and Kuecker denied having any knowledge of the money, which was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings.
Narcotics detectives also located two vials containing a clear liquid, inside a cabinet in the bathroom. Upon further investigation detectives determined one of the vials contained Testosterone Cypionate and the other contained Enanthate. Brooks said both were determined to be steroids and are listed as schedule III controlled substances.
Detectives also located a firearm in one of Keucker’s vehicles. Both the steroids and the firearm were seized as evidence.
Brooks said Kuecker was arrested and transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.
Detectives released Sears at the scene, but are submitting the crime report to the Lake County District Attorney's Office for a complaint regarding her involvement in the marijuana cultivation, Brooks said.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.