Mendocino County: Illegal Cannabis Farm Under Investigation for Alleged Labor Trafficking
NAVARRO, CA — “The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged forced-labor human trafficking case connected to an illegal cannabis cultivation site in Navarro, CA. During the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies located one adult victim who reported being forced to live and work on the property for approximately two years, under inhumane and deplorable conditions. California law prohibits depriving a person of liberty to obtain forced labor or services.
Investigators documented that the victim was allegedly housed without pay, sufficient food, bathroom access, or humane living conditions while being compelled to work at the site. The victim further reported that suspect Jesse Upton used force, fear, coercion, and physical abuse, including assaults involving weapons, to prevent the victim from leaving the property. Evidence was collected in support of the alleged offenses, and charges are being sought through the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office.
During a search warrant service at the property on 05/04/2026 where the alleged crimes occurred, deputies discovered an active cannabis cultivation site containing more than 300 cannabis plants and over 600 pounds of processed cannabis. The cannabis was packaged and processed for the purposes of unlawful sales. Investigators also located a butane hone-oil manufacturing laboratory and more than 240 gallons of butane at the property. California law considers unauthorized chemical extraction of concentrated cannabis with butane as manufacturing, and such activity can be prosecuted as a felony.
The victim was connected with support services through victim advocates with the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities (NCCSC). The NCCSC provides specialized assistance, including human trafficking services and a range of other victim support programs, as part of its comprehensive victim services.
Investigators also documented significant environmental degradation at the property, including fuel and oil products, fertilizers, foreign soil, and chemical additives associated with cannabis cultivation. Investigators noted steep topography at the scene with no containment measures and visible runoff pathways. Discharge from the site could migrate downslope into a defined drainage leading toward Flynn Creek, which is part of the Navarro River watershed. Flynn Creek is a tributary within the Navarro watershed, supporting the concern from Investigators that pollutants from the site could affect waters of the State.
California officials have determined illegal cannabis cultivation sites are sources of water pollution and environmental damage, including unlawful discharges and threats to streams and wetlands.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Jesse Upton for alleged violations of Penal Code section 236.1(a) – Human trafficking for forced labor, Health and Safety Code section 11358(d)(3)(B) – Illegal cannabis cultivation with an aggravating environmental factor, Health and Safety Code section 11379.6 – Manufacturing a controlled substance, Health and Safety Code section 11359 – Possession of cannabis for sale, and Penal Code section 245(a)(1) – Assault with a deadly weapon.
This case is actively being investigated and anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
