Timothy Fulp, 70 of Sun Valley

A Sun Valley man was arrested in connection with the theft of lawfully grown hemp plants and now faces multiple drug related charges.

In the early morning hours of 11/08/19, deputies responded to a theft that just occurred in the 4000 block of E. Telegraph Road. A security guard who was hired to monitor a hemp farm observed a male subject holding a large bag. The guard ordered the subject to stop, but he refused and fled on foot. Suspecting there may be an accomplice, the guard checked the area further and found a second subject lying in the field among marijuana plants. This suspect was identified as Timothy Fulp. Deputies discovered multiple trash bags filled with recently cut hemp plants. They also located hedge clippers that appeared to be used to cut the crop and methamphetamine on the ground. During a search of Fulp, deputies also recovered drug paraphernalia. The second suspect was not captured. Fulp told deputies that he believed the hemp he was stealing was marijuana that contained THC, which is the key ingredient in the psychoactive drug.

Fulp was arrested for the following charges; 487 (a) PC- grand theft, 182 (a)(1) PC- conspiracy, 11377 (a) HS- possession of a controlled substance, 11364 (a) HS- possession of drug paraphernalia and 11550 (a) HS- being under the influence of a controlled substance. Fulp is currently in custody pending arraignment on 11/13/19, his bail is set at $50,000.00

The hemp plants that are grown in the region have an extremely low percentage of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and are grown primarily for industrial purposes. The plants may look and smell the same as marijuana with higher levels of THC but the due to the hemp plants low THC levels, it is difficult to experience the intoxicating effects as non-industrial marijuana.

Nature of Incident: Theft of Lawfully Grown Hemp Plants
Report Number: 19-175370
Location: 4000 E. Telegraph Road, Piru
Date & Time: 11/08/19 2:00 am
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Patrol Services
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Timothy Fulp, 70 of Sun Valley
Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).