A DCC and Kern County taskforce investigation 

“It is important that law enforcement officers at every level investigate suspected illegal marijuana dispensaries.  Those not properly licensed pose a threat to public safety and can cause unsafe conditions in neighborhoods.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

BAKERSFIELD – On May 1, 2024 the Kern County District Attorney’s Office announced that

Francisco Perez was found guilty of operating an illegal marijuana dispensary, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of marijuana for sale.

On August 3, 2022, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), with the assistance of the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, served a search warrant at “Hemp Boys,” an illegal marijuana dispensary located at 2507 S. Chester Avenue in Bakersfield. Perez was located at the business with keys to the dispensary on his person. The search into the illegal dispensary revealed the PG&E utility bill was under Perez’s name. Additionally, Perez’s wallet, along with a firearm and ammunition, were found in a safe located in one of the backrooms of the dispensary. Evidence at the trial revealed that Perez threatened a former employee and other witnesses into leaving town and attempted to dissuade a witness from testifying at trial.

A sentencing date is scheduled for June 10, 2024. Perez faces up to 4 years and 4 months in prison.