Larimer County sheriff shuts down Livermore grow operation

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested two Livermore residents after discovering a substantial marijuana grow at their rental home in the 1700 block of County Road 82E.

Lacy Ann Patterson and Anthony Michael Ryker were arrested Sept. 1 after approximately 220 live marijuana plants, numerous baggies of packaged marijuana, drug smoking paraphernalia, psilocybin mushrooms, numerous legal guns of different makes and caliber, and equipment used to cultivate marijuana were found at their residence.

The couple was arrested on suspicion of possession and cultivation of marijuana, criminal mischief and several other offenses.

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Impact Unit investigators recently received a citizen complaint of suspicious activity in this area. Investigators found a fenced area with black plastic surrounding it to prevent seeing what was inside the area. The tops of what appeared to be plastic greenhouse coverings could be seen and they could smell the strong odor of raw marijuana coming from the numerous outbuildings on the property.

Upon contact, the couple initially denied growing marijuana but later said it was for medical marijuana; however, no documentation was found to support this claim. As a result, a search warrant was obtained and the marijuana grow and other items were discovered. The marijuana has an estimated street value of approximately $385,000.

In addition, a large amount of damage was done to the residence as a result of modifications made to the property to grow the marijuana in the basement of the rental home. A review of the records used to obtain the search warrant showed the couple had resided in the area for less than a year.