Detectives arrested four adults – three from the same family – and took three children including an infant into protective custody following the discovery of a marijuana growing operation during a raid on a La Pine home Wednesday.
Acting on a tip from a citizen, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit (SCU) obtained and executed a search warrant at 17145 Mayfield Drive in La Pine, Oregon, and arrested Chris Jepsen, 41; Treasa Jepsen, 42; Brittany Jepsen, 20; and Jonathan Blacklock, 29, Sgt. Michael Espinoza reported.
Top row, left to right: Chris, Treasa, and Brittany Jepsen. Bottom row: Jonathan Blacklock - DCJ photos
All four were lodged in the Deschutes County Jail and charged with unlawful manufacturing of a Schedule I controlled substance (marijuana), and first- and second-degree child neglect. In addition, Chris Jepsen was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Espinoza said.
According to a news release, three children found at the residence were placed in protective custody and removed from the home, including a three-month-old infant who was placed in the care of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Detectives found marijuana plants in various stages of growth, growing equipment, notes about growing activity, and “modified structures within the residence” to assist in growing marijuana and a firearm, Espinoza said.
SCU detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 541.388.6655. Callers may remain anonymous, the sergeant said.