Sex offender arrested for cultivating marijuana

In July of 2018, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Enforcement Team became aware that Charles Phillip Maniaci, a 65 year old male, from Leggett California,  was cultivating marijuana.



Although Proposition 64 allows for the recreational use of and cultivation of marijuana, as does the Mendocino County Code, Maniaci has a past conviction that requires him to register as a sex offender. California law, prohibits persons with past conviction of serious offenses, including those for which persons have to register as a sexual offender, from cultivating more that 6 marijuana plants.



A search warrant affidavit was authored for Maniaci's residence, which included two parcels containing one permanent residence; several out buildings; and several travel trailers. A Mendocino County Superior Court Judge issued a search warrant and the warrant was served at Maniaci's residence on 8-23-2018. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Enforcement Team was assisted by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Detective Unit, the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, and Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In all, six persons were located on the property, and only Maniaci was arrested. Law Enforcement Officers eradicated 1359 growing marijuana plants and seized approximately 150 pounds of harvested marijuana that was in various stages of being processed, along with 21 pounds of packaged bud marijuana. Maniaci was transported and booked in the Mendocino County Jail for the charges listed above. Maniaci's bail was raised to $750,000.