North Bay News

Feds: Girl sexually abused at marijuana farm

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Authorities say a 15-year-old girl was forced to work on a marijuana grow and sexually abused by two men in Northern California who allegedly locked her in a metal toolbox for days.

The allegations against 30-year-old Ryan Balletto and 24-year-old Patrick Pearmain are outlined in a federal criminal complaint unsealed on Monday.

The men have been charged with marijuana possession and using a minor in drug operations.

Authorities alleged Balletto and Pearmain used the girl to cut marijuana buds at a Lake County property and had sex with her.

The girl from the Los Angeles area told investigators she was kept in a 4 by 2-foot box.

It wasn't immediately clear whether Balletto and Pearmain have retained attorneys.

(Copyright ©2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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marijuana, drugs, crime, sex crimes, lake county, north bay news
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