Mom who had a $67,000 electric bill is caught growing over 24,000 Marijuana plants.

according to Lt. Mike Madden with the San Bernardino Police Department.Multiple properties that we're owned by soccer mom, Stephanie Smith in Pacific Palisades,were raided by police where they found over 24,000 Marijuana plants. Police say the mom would pay for the vacant properties in cash and found it odd that she had a $67,000 Electric bill and people with guns walking around the buildings. A marijuana growing operation spanning three facilities that were not properly permitted was discovered in San Bernardino 12/13/2017 and the the property owner was taken into custody,. Two of the locations were huge warehouses and another third property was a residential home that had been converted into an indoor growing space

A task force team of SWAT members from different agencies and police officers from different police departments all raided three locations and uncovered 24,000 plus plants, authorities said. He described the growing operations as very large and sophisticated and they were making over a $1,000,000 a month.

Officials were in the process of removing the plants but said it would take multiple days before all the plants could be removed and the buildings could be restored to 100 percent. Smith is facing illegal cultivation with intent to sell and is facing federal charges and was growing close to schools and near a police station which doubles any fines she does have.

8 people were arrested on site and are facing felony charges. The buildings they used violated many safety codes and put hundreds of neighbors around them at risk of being hurt if any fires or explosions did explode. People that were noticed as armed security guards also did not have the right permits to act as security so some of them will also be charged with possession of a firearm. Distribution of greater than 5 grams of marijuana to a minor under the age of 21 doubles the possible penalties. Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, public housing or within 100 feet of a youth center, public pool or video arcade also doubles the possible penalties.

Distribution of a small amount of marijuana, for no remuneration, is treated as possession. Manufacture or distribution of less than 50 plants or 50 kilograms of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. For 50-99 plants or 50-99 kilograms the penalty increases not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual for the first offense. Manufacture or distribution of 100-999 plants or 100-999 kilograms carries a penalty of 5 - 40 years in prison and a fine of $2-$5 Million. For 1000 plants or 1000 kilograms or more, the penalty increases to 10 years - life in prison and a fine of $4-$10 Million by federal law.