Pot Setup Found After Home Invasion

Moorpark deputies responding to a report of a home invasion robbery early Friday discovered that marijuana was being cultivated in a bedroom closet, authorities said.

When John Sepich, 55, answered a knock at his front door at 1 a.m., two men burst into the two-story home, Sgt. Robert Thomas said. The residence is near Moorpark College in the 6400 block of Penn Street.

One of the men held a gun on Sepich, who was not injured, and forced him to lie on the floor, Thomas said. At least one intruder went upstairs before they both left in a car, he said.

The cultivation equipment was found in the bedroom of Sepich’s son, Eric, 22, during a search of the home, Thomas said.

Eric Sepich, who was not home during the robbery, told sheriff’s deputies that his father was not aware he was growing marijuana in the bedroom, Thomas said.

The closet contained special lights, humidity controls, fans and electronic devices. Along with John Sepich’s wallet, the intruders made off with 11 marijuana plants, Thomas said.

“It is apparent to me that they targeted this place specifically for the plants,” he said.

A K-9 unit and sheriff’s helicopter helped search the neighborhood for the intruders.

Cultivation charges have not been filed against Eric or John Sepich, Thomas said. “We’ll consult with the district attorney on Monday,” he said. Marijuana cultivation is considered a felony and can carry a penalty of up to three years in prison for first-time offenders, Thomas said.