More than 160 plants seized from Avondale homes

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office made two arrests on Wednesday after discovering two illegal pot growing operations in two separate rental homes.

Michel Mustelier-Montoya, 33, and Yinet Rodgriguez-Hernandez, 32, were taken into custody after deputies received a tip that a possible illegal marijuana grow operation was happening at a home off Jane Street in Avondale.

Deputies drove to 315 Jane Street to ask the renters, Mustelier-Montoya and Rodgriguez-Hernandez, if they were growing marijuana. Mustelier-Montoya admitted that he was growing but that he had paperwork for a medical marijuana license. After looking at the documentation, deputies discovered that the application had been denied back in July.

On that property, officials found 104 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

Mustelier-Montoya also admitted to another growing operation at 202 Jane Street. A separate search warrant was issued, leading deputies to find another 41 plants.

Mustelier-Montoya and Rodriguez-Hernandez were both arrested for possession of marijuana and cultivation of marijuana.

The two homes being used for growing had extensive electrical and water irrigation systems added to accommodate the operations. A Pueblo Regional Building inspector deemed both homes unsafe due to the electrical modification. Electrical power was shut off to both homes.