Late in the evening on May 6, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a mother stating that her 3-year-old child was missing. The incident took place on a 51-acre parcel located in the community of Bangor, approximately 70 miles north of Sacramento.
Search and Rescue Efforts Begin
Responding swiftly, deputies, along with a K9 team and search and rescue teams, initiated efforts to locate the missing child. Investigation revealed that the child had last been seen around 7:30 p.m. on the same night, prompting an urgent search operation.
Discovery of Illegal Marijuana Grow
During the course of the search, detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the parents of the missing child were engaged in the cultivation of marijuana on the property. It was further revealed that the child frequented these illicit grow sites with the parents.
Toddler Found in Marijuana Grow Site
At approximately 3:20 a.m. the following morning, a K9 team led deputies to an illegal marijuana cultivation site. There, under a tarp and in close proximity to hundreds of marijuana plants, the missing toddler was discovered.
Child Requiring Medical Attention
The child, found in a cold and distressed state, was in need of immediate medical assistance. After receiving treatment at a hospital, the toddler was released into the care of Butte County Children’s Services.
Parents Arrested for Child Endangerment
Both parents, identified as being in their 30s, were taken into custody on charges of felony child endangerment. Subsequent to their arrest, a search warrant was executed at the residence, leading to the seizure of 6,674 lbs. of processed marijuana, 5,257 marijuana plants, and four firearms.
Legal Ramifications Unclear
While the Butte County Sheriff’s Office did not specify if the parents would face charges related to the discovered marijuana and firearms, the incident underscores the potential dangers associated with illegal marijuana cultivation, particularly in proximity to children.