DCSO Marijuana Enforcement Detectives Serve Four Search Warrants in Connection with Illegal Grow Operation

Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office

On March 4, 2020, marijuana enforcement detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Deschutes County Marijuana Enforcement Team, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, served multiple search warrants associated with an illegal marijuana grow operation in Deschutes County.

The first search warrant was executed at a residence on Zagt Lane, south of Sunriver.  The residence had been the focus of a long term investigation and after utilizing various investigative techniques, detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence and property.  At this location, detectives located and seized over 350 marijuana plants in various stages of growth to support a steady supply of usable marijuana, as well as approximately 16 pounds of processed marijuana.  Detectives also encountered unsanitary conditions where the marijuana was being produced, to include suspected black mold, which reinforces the health concerns associated with illegal marijuana grows.

A second search warrant was served on Bozeman Trail, east of Bend.  At this residence and property, approximately 200 pounds of processed marijuana and 17 pounds of marijuana extract were seized.  Additionally, approximately $127,000 in cash and multiple firearms were located and seized.

Additional search warrants were served at a residence on NW 15th Street in Redmond and a storage unit in NW Redmond in connection with this investigation.  Lippincott, Kirkendall, and Bye were all transported to and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Adult Jail on the listed charges.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Arrested:    
Lippincott, Joshua Leo   Age: 42          Bend, Oregon
Charges: Unlawful Possession, Manufacture and Distribution of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Marijuana Extract

Kirkendall, Amber Marie   Age: 40
Unlawful Possession, Manufacture and Distribution of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Marijuana Extract

Bye, Ryder                          Age: 44          Redmond, Oregon
Charges: Unlawful Possession, Manufacture and Distribution of Marijuana








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