Deputies Make Arrest in Alleged Human Trafficking Case in Navarro
Victim allegedly forced to work on the site of an illegal cannabis grow for two years
Editor’s note: we’ve added additional information about the MendoLocal.News’ investigation into vacant residential properties. (May 8, 2026 2:25 p.m.)
A 43-year-old Navarro man is under investigation in Mendocino County after sheriff’s deputies uncovered what authorities describe as a forced-labor human trafficking operation tied to an illegal cannabis cultivation site on Sea Biscuit Drive.
According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, investigators served a search warrant May 4 at a property in the 3000 block of Sea Biscuit Road and located an adult victim who reported being forced to live and work at the site for approximately two years under “inhumane and deplorable conditions.”
Authorities identified the suspect as Jesse Upton.
There are four recorded parcels on the 3000 block of Sea Biscuit Road, which is reached via Masonite Industrial Road at the turn off for the Camp Navarro wedding and festival venue.
Three of the parcels are zoned “rural residential” and their assessed value ranges from $353,888 to $810,337. The mailing address for these properties is Oakland, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. One parcel is zoned “range” and is assessed at $244,901. The owners of that parcel have a local P.O. Box.
MendoLocal.News will be expanding a recently launched investigation into vacant residential parcels to determine how often they are used for criminal activity, including illegal cannabis grows. And, we’ll be asking questions about what the county does to hold property owners accountable after criminal activity is uncovered. How common is this? And what does it cost Mendocino County taxpayers?
Can you support MendoLocal.News’ investigation into vacant residential land in Mendocino County? We know nearly 1 in 3 parcels zoned for residential use are vacant. Two of our questions are: How many have been linked to illegal cannabis grows? And how many have been linked to human trafficking? And what actions is the county taking against property owners?
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The victim told investigators they were housed without pay, sufficient food, bathroom access or humane living conditions while being compelled to work at the cannabis site, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators allege Upton used force, fear, coercion and physical abuse — including assaults involving weapons — to prevent the victim from leaving the property.
The sheriff’s office said evidence supporting the allegations has been collected and charges are being sought through the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office.
During the search, deputies reportedly discovered more than 300 cannabis plants, over 600 pounds of processed cannabis allegedly intended for unlawful sales, and a butane honey-oil extraction laboratory containing more than 240 gallons of butane.
Investigators also documented what they described as significant environmental damage at the property, including fuel and oil products, fertilizers, foreign soil and chemical additives associated with cannabis cultivation. Authorities said the steep terrain and visible runoff pathways raised concerns that contaminants could reach Flynn Creek and the broader Navarro River watershed.
The victim was connected with services through the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities, which provides support for human trafficking victims and other survivors of crime.
The sheriff’s office said Upton is being investigated for alleged violations including human trafficking for forced labor, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal cannabis cultivation with an aggravating environmental factor, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of cannabis for sale.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 707-463-4086, option 1, or provide anonymous tips through the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100.