Reward offered for pot farming fugitive

A $500 reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of admitted pot farmer James Douglas Gilbert.

Gilbert, 44, is the subject of a felony warrant issued in November as a result to a marijuana growing operation in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

"Gilbert is currently hiding from law enforcement in order to avoid arrest and prosecution for pending criminal narcotics charges," said Sgt. Jim Halsey in a release issued on Wednesday. "It is unknown if Gilbert, a resident of the Gardnerville Ranchos, is still in the Douglas County area or not."

Halsey said Gilbert has an extensive criminal history, including a three-year stint in federal prison for growing more than 1,100 marijuana plants in 1997.

Gilbert is wanted in connection with a Nov. 14 raid on the home of David Knapp.

Anyone with any information regarding Gilbert's whereabouts is asked to call Secret Witness 782-7463, or the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforcement Team at 782-9848 and leave a message.

Anyone with information may also call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center at 782-9935.