On 10/21/15 deputies received complaints about a large marijuana grow in El Dorado Hills. The complaints were mostly due to the unsightliness of tarps used to conceal the operation and a strong offensive smell.

On 10/23/15 sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant on the residence and property. In the 1400 block of Malcom Dixon Road, detectives were met by the resident who was armed with a shotgun. The adult male was guarding the marijuana garden from a tree house. The male, later identified as 52 year-old Jeffrey Johansen Sr., complied with the detectives, put down the shotgun, and was detained.

During the search, detectives located 200 mature, ready to harvest, 3 to 8 foot tall marijuana plants. They found and recovered 3 firearms, about 30 pounds of processed marijuana, and evidence of a butane honey oil lab. The incoming utility power line was configured to bypass the main electrical panel and meter and there was evidence of marijuana being sold to dispensaries.

Detectives arrested Jeffrey Johansen Sr. for cultivation of marijuana, sales of marijuana, manufacturing dangerous drugs, theft of power, and possession of a loaded firearm in the commission of a felony. He was released from jail on $105,000 bond. Also arrested was 20 year-old Jeffrey Johansen II on the same charges to include a felon in possession of firearms. Johansen II was released from custody pending a criminal complaint.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

Booking photo of Jeffrey Johansen Sr.

Booking photo of Jeffrey Johansen II

On 10/22/15 at about 10:30 AM the Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported suicidal subject with a gun. The person was described as having PTSD , military training, was making threats, and armed with a rifle. Only having a general location to search, it took hours to narrow down the person’s possible location to the Georgetown area. At about 1:30 PM, two schools in the area were placed in lockdown as a precaution. The schools affected are American River Charter and the Georgetown School. At this time, only faculty members are at American River Charter, the students have already gone home.
Deputies and a CHP helicopter continue to search the area. Parents of children who are still at Georgetown School are asked NOT to go to the campus until the lockdown is lifted. All of the students are safe and in the care of the faculty.
Lt. Tom Murdoch

Update –
At 3:00 PM this afternoon, the two school lockdowns were lifted. The location of the person was narrowed down to a property that was away from both schools. Neither of the schools, the students, or staff was ever in any danger. The Sheriff’s Office is still actively attempting to contact the involved person at this time in hopes to help him.
Lt. Tom Murdoch