From Julie Johnson:
Nine people were arrested Wednesday for allegedly growing a total of 1,400 marijuana plants inside their homes in Sacramento and Elk Grove.
Several tips led Elk Grove Police and SWAT teams to search one home in the 8800 block of Marlin Seas Court in Sacramento and three locations in Elk Grove: in the 4200 block of Zaccaro Way, 4700 block of Coppola Circle and the 5000 block of Efthemia Way. Police also found high-tech plant cultivation equipment.
Four children, ages 1, 3, 6 and 9, were present at the time of the arrests and are in custody of Child Protective Services.
The suspects were also arrested for utility fraud, but police couldn't confirm whether high water or power bills led them to the homes.
"Typically in these types of marijuana growing arrangements there are some kind of diversion of power that takes place, but I can't comment on this case," said Officer Christopher Trim, spokesman for the Elk Grove Police Department.
Trim confirmed that police suspected the operations among the homes were connected, but said they didn't seem gang related.
"It's assumed that the marijuana would be sold, but where is something our investigators are still pursuing," Trimm said.
Nhan Sinh Tang, 36; Hui Qing Chen, 28; and Phu Phung Tran, 50, were arrested under suspicion for utility fraud, marijuana cultivation, possession for sale and conspiracy to sell.
Ermei Yee, 67; Andy Cam Mach, 37; Kuntai Fan, 78; Ping Min Fan, 33; Jimmy Vy Tran, 48; Terrie Tran, 35 were also arrested for the same charges plus child endangerment.
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