7 Jailed In Larimer County For Illegal Pot Grow, Extortion Case

Thanks to your help, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office has booked one of Northern Colorado's most wanted fugitives.

Last week, the LCSO asked for your help finding Mario Garcia. And yesterday, he was arrested (along with 6 other men) over an illegally established marijuana distribution ring.

Posing as a real estate agent in search of property for clients to farm organic produce, Garcia was able to gain access to property on the 400 block of Buffalo Range Lane in Wellington in early September. Once he had a hold of the keys, Garcia and his "business partners" illegally took over the resident's property- renovating outbuildings and growing marijuana on the 40 acres behind the residence.

The owner, who was living in California while all of this was going on, refused to sign any lease with Garcia and his partners - even after Garcia deposited $8,400 into the owner's bank account to hold the property and attempt to force a lease upon him. Garcia began telling the owner he would be liable in court for breach of contract damages and discrimination against Hispanics.

Garcia was arrested October 5 near Denver and is being held on $300,000 bond. He faces a laundry list of felony drug and extortion-related charges.

The other 6 men were arrested as well: Sergio Sanchez Jr., 21, Ruddie Lopez, 34, Sergio Sanchez Sr., 45, Raciel Serrano, 29, Ronald Sinigaglia, 29, and Hector Perez, 32, face felony charges of marijuana cultivation, intent to distribute, criminal mischief, and burglary. They are set on bonds of at least $100,000 each. At least 2 have posted bond as of Wednesday afternoon, according to jail records.

Despite arrests made, the investigation is still active and ongoing to determine if anyone else may be involved. If you know any additional information about the case, please contact the Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 970-416-1985 or Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868 - you will remain anonymous and could potentially be eligible for a cash reward.