Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 5, 2011, Sheriff’s patrol units responded to a call of an illegal marijuana cultivation inside a residence in the community of La Conchita. Narcotics detectives responded and discovered an elaborate marijuana growing operation in a converted garage on the property. A search warrant was obtained and the residence was searched. 105 marijuana plants were seized as well as approximately 16 pounds of manicured marijuana. The owner of the residence had no knowledge of the illegal activity.

The associated growing lights, timers, and fans were powered by stolen electricity that had been bypassed and gone around the electric meter. The plants were in plastic buckets sitting on tarps and were being hand watered. The tarps contained the overflow water, but created a potentially dangerous situation had one of the loose electrical cords come in contact with water.

While at the residence, detectives were approached by Edward “Bennett” Gregge who was a tenant at the house. Bennett told detectives that Angela Butler rented the home on his behalf and the cultivation found belonged to him. Bennett was arrested for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Follow up information learned during this investigation revealed Angela Butler and Bennett Gregge’s brother, Forrest Gregge, were actively involved in the cultivation and distribution of marijuana.

On April 15, Forrest Gregge was stopped in the city of Ventura and found to be in possession of approximately 18 pounds of processed marijuana. He was arrested for possession of marijuana for sale. On April 19, Angela Butler and Bennett Gregge were arrested for preparing false evidence and solicitation to commit a crime, both felonies. Additionally, all suspects were arrested for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana and possess marijuana for sale.

Estimated value of the processed marijuana: $102,000.00
Estimated potential value of growing marijuana: $315,000.00

Location: 7000 Block Ocean View Rd, La Conchita, Ventura County, Ca.
Date: 2-5-2011
Unit Responsible: Special Services, Narcotics
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Edward Bennett Gregge Thousand Oaks 27
Angela Butler Thousand Oaks 36
Forrest Gregge Thousand Oaks 25
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Mike Horne
Follow-up Contact: Sgt Mike Horne