First 5 Yolo benefits from DA civil action against illegal cannabis grower
As a result of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Consumer Fraud and Environmental Protection Division’s recent prosecution of an illegal cannabis grower, the division has obtained $3,250 in restitution for First 5 Yolo.
Cynthia Chew agreed to pay restitution to First 5, penalties, complete community service and not participate in the cannabis industry for 10 years, according to a press release from the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office.
First 5 Yolo serves children during their first five years of life, along with their families, through direct services and systems change efforts.
Yolo County has permitted growers operating in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, however the county still remains susceptible to illegal operations that may damage public and private lands and place into the stream of commerce unregulated or possibly unsafe cannabis, according to the press release.
“Our office is committed to pursuing appropriate remedies against illegal cannabis growers,” said District Attorney Jeff Reisig. “Criminal law penalties have been significantly reduced for illegal cultivation. Therefore, civil penalties often deliver greater deterrence and accountability in these cases. In addition, as part of such civil cases, we are able to negotiate beneficial payments to groups that advocate for children, like First 5 of Yolo. We support First 5 Yolo’s goal of assisting the community to raise safe and healthy children, and we will continue, as appropriate, to assist First 5 Yolo in their mission.”
The restitution payment, as ordered by the Court, should further assist First 5 Yolo in raising awareness for some of the county’s more susceptible children through their existing programs.
“First 5 Yolo is grateful to our District Attorney, Jeff Reisig, for taking action for mothers and their very young children,” said Gina Daleiden, executive director of First 5 Yolo. “The dedication of funding for early childhood is a strong statement that DA Reisig understands that investments early in life prevent and reduce more entrenched problems later in life. This action is leading-edge in policy, recognizing the critical and foundational nature or early childhood.”
To date, First 5 Yolo has received a total of $56,250 as a result of these restitution payments. To learn more about First 5 Yolo visit www.first5yolo.org.