Five people were charged Thursday in connection with marijuana growing operations at homes throughout the Sacramento region.
A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment against Tony Le, of Lincoln; Tien Le, of Sacramento; Hung Le, of Elk Grove; Cuong Le, of Sacramento; and Minh Le, of Sacramento. All were charged with conspiracy to manufacture at least 1,000 marijuana plants and manufacturing at least 1,000 marijuana plants, according to a news release by U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott's office.
The indictment alleges that from Nov. 1, 2006 to last week, the defendants conspired and manufactured marijuana plants in Placer and El Dorado counties.
An investigation commenced after Pacific Gas and Electric reported a possible power theft to the Placer County Sheriff's Department.
Federal and state search warrants were served at 10 houses in Foresthill, Auburn, Placerville, Lincoln, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Elk Grove and Sacramento, the release states.
Authorities uncovered active indoor marijuana grow operations in four homes and seized 3,364 marijuana plants. A fifth house contained the components for an indoor growing operation that appeared to have been harvested, the release states.
If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence, the release states.
Call The Bee's Niesha Lofing, (916) 321-1270.
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