Marijuana Sting Nets Three Arrests; Police Seek Two

Three Lake Elsinore residents have been arrested and police are searching for two more in connection with a marijuana facility that was allegedly operating outside of California's medical marijuana laws inside the city.

Search warrants were served March 15 at three Lake Elsinore locations, one Hemet location, and one Murrietta location in connection with 420 Hitters, a marijuana facility located at 31760 Casino Dr., Suite 102 (B1).

During the searches, eight pounds of marijuana, 2.5 ounces of hash, 378 marijuana plants, and $1,900 were confiscated as evidence.

Dominic Armato, a 420 Hitters manager, was arrested for conspiracy as well as possession, transportation, and cultivation of marijuana for sale.

Melanie Birchard, a receptionist at 420 Hitters, was arrested for conspiracy as well as possession and transportation of marijuana for sale.

Carol Stahl, a edible marijuana cook employed by 420 Hitters, was arrested for conspiracy as well as possession, transportation, and cultivation of marijuana for sale.

Police are searching for Lake Elsinore residents Eric Stahl and Luis Stahl, who are co-owners of 420 Hitters. Police report that once they are apprehended, both will be charged with conspiracy as well as possession, transportation, and cultivation of marijuana for sale.

In December 2010, members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department were contacted regarding 420 Hitters.

According to a Lake Elsinore Police Department report, during the course of a four-month investigation several customers were contacted and numerous surveillances were conducted.

Members of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Elsinore Police Department and Riverside County Code Enforcement took part in the investigation.

According to the police report, 420 Hitters was showing a profit, which under California's medical marijuana laws is illegal.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact Investigator Reynolds at 951-955-1700.