Child pornography, 500 pot plants lead to Oroville woman’s arrest

An Oroville woman was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 18, after detectives say an investigation led them to more than 500 marijuana plants, 300 pounds of marijuana, cocaine and child pornography.

According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, detectives began investigating Stephanie Ellis, 29, of Oroville, in June. BCSO said during the investigation, evidence was located which led them to believe Ellis was in possession of child pornography.

BCSO said detectives made contact with Ellis at an Oroville restaurant Aug. 18. A search warrant was served to search Ellis’ residence in the area of Brown Boulevard in Oroville where detectives seized electronic devices belonging to Ellis.

During the search, detectives also found over 500 large marijuana plants, 300 pounds of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine.

Forensic searches of Ellis’ devices was conducted by detectives and they located additional child pornography. Evidence indicating Ellis was the individual who possessed the child pornography was also found.

Ellis was placed under arrest by BCSO detectives on suspicion of felony counts of possession and distribution of child pornography, a felony count of maintaining a residence where a controlled substance is stored/possessed for sale, and a misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance.

BCSO asks anyone with additional information about the investigation to contact Detective Mariah Smith at 530-538-7671.