San Diego

A 65-year-old Fallbrook man pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. Bernard Barrein Cook entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Leland Nielsen, who set sentencing for March 11. Cook, described as a “survivalist” because he has a bomb shelter and an underground basketball court, could be sentenced to several years in prison. He was arrested Sept. 27 at his home after Narcotics Task Force agents discovered 300 marijuana plants growing in a sophisticated drying room with thermostatically controlled heating and air flow mechanisms. Agents discovered the bomb shelter had enough food for a year. Also present on Cook’s 32 acres was a full-sized underground basketball court, a swimming pool and a hot tub. One of his workers, Ruitilio Maceda, for whom an arrest warrant was issued Sept. 28, is a fugitive. Both were indicted by a federal grand jury Oct. 5. Cook’s wife, Lorene Cook, 72, was not charged. Cook remains free on $10,000 bail.