BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two people were arrested after deputies allegedly found nearly 3,000 marijuana plants and 1,200 pounds of processed marijuana during a welfare check of a five-month-old baby in Lamont.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said on June 5, 2025, at around 7:10 p.m., deputies were sent to the 7500 block of Weedpatch Highway for a welfare check of a five-month-old child who was hurt at the address.
When deputies arrived, they found deplorable living conditions for the baby, who was later treated at a hospital and taken into protective custody by Child Protective Services.
KCSO said that as the deputies continued their investigation, they discovered a large-scale marijuana growing and cultivation operation on the property.
Due to a large amount of processed marijuana and marijuana plants, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit was called to the scene to complete the narcotics investigation, according to KCSO.
Deputies seized 2,892 mature marijuana plants, 1,200 pounds of processed marijuana, and two guns.
23-year-old Eduardo Ochoa of Lamont and 31-year-old Maritz Rivas of Soledad were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility for numerous narcotics and child endangerment violations.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661)861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness at (661)322-4040.
Two people were arrested and nearly 3,000 marijuana plants and 1,200 pounds of processed marijuana were seized after deputies were called to a welfare check of Read More