On May 5, 2026, while responding to complaints from nearby residents, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, along with State Criminal Investigation Division, reportedly discovered a large indoor marijuana cultivation operation located off U.S. Highway 59 just outside the Livingston city limits.
Neighbors reportedly complained of a persistent odor of marijuana, as well as suspicious activity involving frequent traffic to and from the property, including vans and box trucks arriving during the early morning hours.
Investigators made contact with Elier Jimenez, a Cuban national who lived at the residence. After executing a search warrant at the property, authorities reportedly discovered more than 1,500 alleged marijuana plants inside multiple buildings on the premises.
Jimenez was charged with possession of marijuana between 50 and 2,000 pounds, a second-degree felony under Texas law.
Sheriff Byron Lyons stated that although public opinions on marijuana possession may differ, marijuana remains illegal in Texas and has reportedly been linked to several serious crimes in Polk County. He added that when alleged illegal activity begins impacting surrounding neighborhoods, the issue extends beyond simple marijuana possession.
