The Hickory Ridge Farm

[NevadaUSA]

The Hickory Ridge Farm

History

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The Hickory Ridge Farm is located next to Palomino Creek, and traces its history back many decades. The Ridge, as the locals call it, has a long-standing history and lore within the community of Palomino Creek. Back in the 1960s, 70s, this farm was a symbol of defiance and rebellion against the United States government and its wartime plans. According to local legends, the farm at the time, was owned by an elderly couple, who went above and beyond by deciding to house hippies and anyone who felt "undesirable" such as draft dodgers. The couple, who were very involved in the Civil Rights Movement, put a lot of effort into attracting anyone who opposed the Vietnam War and wanted to avoid fighting a war they didn't want. Word quickly spread around the entire country, they had guests coming from all over the continental United States, like the Midwest, even from urban centers like New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Portland. Most of these individuals were leftist progressives, but they welcomed anybody who shared their view of wanting peace, the farm had this motto of "Everyone's Welcome". The locals of Palomino Creek, had no issues with the people newly moving in, as they mostly kept to themselves, and even contributed to the local economy, as the towns within Red County have been struggling, due to the pull of Los Santos attracting workers and anyone seeking opportunities. This farm at one point housed hundreds of people, all living on this farm, some in barns, shacks, small cabins or trailers. It was a self-sustaining homestead for the most part, the members of the community only shopping in the local store for essentials they couldn't produce at the farm. Still, the amount of people living there brought a significant buying force. 

The Peak of The Ridge

The Hickory Ridge Farm had its peak after the Selective Service Draft was announced from 1963 all the way through 1973. Another year that brought significant draft dodgers was after December 1, 1969, when Draft Lottery was instituted. During New Year's Eve, 1973, there were hopes that things will turn around, which soon happened. January 27, 1973, when the U.S. ended conscription and transitioned to an all-volunteer military. This caused many residents at The Ridge to move back home. The number of inhabitants fell significantly, but the population was still significant. 

 

Trade workers and the popularity of The Ridge

Farm inhabitants started doing contracted trade work, first around Palomino Creek, and later through word of mouth all over the county. In the early 1970s, they also started receiving substantial media attention, many news outlets even calling their farm a "leftist utopia". This popularity had its downfalls, as the conservative politicians within Red County began to take notice and they wanted this place shutdown. The conservative Sheriff of Red County at the time Sheriff Herschel McCready, a few mock nicknames by the community: Half-Brain Hersh, Hogtie Hersh, Hersh the Headcase, but the most common: Hersh the Harasser. He harassed everybody, he was mean, abusive, and tried to find any reason to give a ticket or arrest someone. Never using his judgment to be lenient, and many times provoking incidents, and just going after people for seemingly no reason.

 

Events at The Hickory Ridge Farm

The Ridge during its popularity started organizing different events at their farm. Farmer's Markets, Fishing Competitions at the river leading into Fisher's Lagoon (as The Ridge has a waterfront), they even made a water slide from the top of The Ridge leading into the water. These events became so popular, that later it attracted not only local residents of Palomino Creek, but other parts of the County as well as Los Santos itself. 

 

1973 Red County Fair

This popularity reached the County's Council, due to the popularity they marked the 1973 Red County Fair's location to be The Hickory Ridge Farm. The fair lasted from: July 1st to July 8th, 1973. 

 

State of San Andreas v. The Hickory Ridge Farm (1973)

The conservative politicians living around the area set up a meeting with Sheriff Herschel McCready, convincing him to go after The Hickory Ridge Farm and find a reason to shut it down. For a longtime, the Sheriff and his team were constantly harassing the innocent farm workers, never finding anything, but leaving a mess. Sheriff's popularity began to dip after the locals got wind of his shenanigans. People started talking. There were rumors of rape, excessive force claims, as well as suspects disappearing. McCready previously served in the City of Los Santos Police Department for decades. Having significant influence on the streets of Los Santos, connections, informants, he quickly got to work. He approached his former informant, Miguel "Mikey" Salazar (later known as Co-Conspirator #1), a known gang affiliate of the S/S Varrio 13 in El Corona. Sheriff McCready had a case file on him, enough for a felony warrant that could make him serve years in prison. He threatened Salazar into a conspiracy to plant evidence at The Hickory Ridge Farm. Salazar complied.

 

McCready had an acquaintance, a supervisor (Co-Conspirator #2) at the Los Santos Police Department Evidence Warehouse. McCready bribed the supervisor with money he received from conservative local politicians. The two fabricated documents on the transfer of narcotics out of the facility.  McCready had known a young female (Co-Conspirator #3), who was his informant and as well as a prostitute. McCready persuaded her to seduce a young beat cop, just starting his own patrols. Co-Conspirator #3 seduced the young beat cop, the two performed sexual acts in the patrol car, which McCready photographed. Later, he threatened the cop with releasing the photos to the press, essentially blackmailing him to comply, beat cop is later referred to in court documents as Co-Conspirator #4. Sheriff McCready facilitated this operation, CC-#4 heads to the Evidence Warehouse to pick up the narcotics from CC-#2, heads out on his beat in El Corona, handing the package to CC-#1 who plants that evidence at the 1973 Red County Fair organized at The Hickory Ridge Farm. 

 

After the evidence was planted, Sheriff McCready decided not to use his own police force to go after the farmers, but created a bogus case file, transferred it to the Los Santos Police Department Gang Unit, to a newly formed unit named CRASH Gang Unit (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums). CRASH was full of officers he had known and worked with personally, many of whom he was friends with. A lot of these officers were known to use brutal methods against citizens. McCready presented a convincing case that residents of The Hickory Ridge Farm are responsible for: growing marijuana, as well as for the manufacturing and distribution of narcotics, such as crack, cocaine. He also alleged that The Hickory Ridge Farm supplies these narcotics to violent street gangs across Los Santos.

 

CRASH took this case to the higher leadership of the LSPD which approved the operation. However, due to the 1973 Red County Fair lasting from July 1st to July 8th, they decided to put the operation on the following week.

 

LSPD, CRASH, SWAT raids The Hickory Ridge Farm on July 9th, in the middle of the night finding the substances where Sheriff McCready told them.

 

In the case of San Andreas vs. The Hickory Ridge Farm a total of 15 defendants were indicted on multiple counts on Possession with Intent to Sell/Distribute, Equipment/Paraphernalia Charges, Conspiracy, Obstruction, Endangering Public Safety. Summer of 1973, The Ridge only had around 100 residents, sharp drop since January of the same year, losing nearly half of its residents. Ű

 

Verdict: All of the defendants charged were found guilty in the court of law.

AFFIDAVIT:

Spoiler

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF ARRESTS AND SEARCH – 1973

Los Santos Police Department
Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (C.R.A.S.H.) Unit
Docket No. RC‑73‑CR‑0217
Date: July 9, 1973

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I. AFFIANT INFORMATION

I, Sergeant Daniel R. Valenz, Badge No. 2147, being first duly sworn, hereby state:

1. I am a sworn peace officer employed by the Los Santos Police Department, currently assigned to the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (C.R.A.S.H.) Unit, Central Division.

2. I have served as a peace officer for approximately 11 years, with 7 years of experience in narcotics, gang enforcement, and intelligence‑gathering operations.

3. I have participated in more than 150 narcotics investigations, including surveillance, undercover operations, field interviews, and execution of search warrants.

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II. PURPOSE OF THIS AFFIDAVIT

This affidavit is submitted to establish probable cause for the arrest and continued detention of 15 adult residents of The Hickory Ridge Farm, located on County Road 14, Palomino Creek, Red County, San Andreas, and for the issuance of search warrants of the same premises.

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III. LOCATION AND BACKGROUND

1. The Hickory Ridge Farm (“the Farm”) is a rural communal living settlement comprised of multiple cabins, sheds, trailers, open fields, and a barn.

2. Based on prior reports, the Farm has operated since the mid‑1960s and has been a known residence for transient individuals, draft‑resisters, and counterculture groups.

3. The population, as estimated by aerial observation and county records, is approximately 90–100 adults as of June 1973.

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IV. OFFICER OBSERVATIONS & SURVEILLANCE

Between April 5, 1973 and July 2, 1973, CRASH personnel conducted intermittent surveillance of the Farm. Observations included:

1. Foot travel and vehicle traffic consistent with narcotics distribution routes used by known gang sets in South Los Santos.

2. Unidentified male subjects transporting sealed boxes, trash bags, and covered containers to and from outbuildings at night.

3. Smoke venting from a detached shed consistent with clandestine chemical processing.

4. Subjects carrying semi‑automatic rifles and shotguns on the property.

5. Informal “checkpoints” at the roadway entrance staffed by Farm residents.

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V. INFORMANT INFORMATION

Between June 14–28, 1973, CRASH officers interviewed a confidential source hereafter referred to as Informant S‑1, who stated the following:

1. S‑1 is familiar with members of the Farm and has previously been present on the property.

2. S‑1 observed active production of marijuana, including drying, curing, and packaging.

3. S‑1 reported that members of the Farm were in possession of quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, allegedly for sale to street gangs in Los Santos.

4. S‑1 stated that the Farm used the summer Red County Fair as an opportunity to distribute narcotics to fair‑goers and persons traveling from Los Santos.

S‑1 has provided information in the past that resulted in two felony narcotics arrests.

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VI. INCIDENTS SUPPORTING PROBABLE CAUSE

During the week of the 1973 Red County Fair (July 1–8, 1973):

1. CRASH officers observed increased movement of individuals from the Farm into Palomino Creek.

2. S‑1 advised that Farm members were “stocking up” and “moving product” before the anticipated law‑enforcement presence in Red County after the fair.

3. On July 7, 1973, an LSPD surveillance team witnessed three Farm residents transporting sealed burlap sacks into a stall area behind the fairgrounds.

4. The individuals were recognized from earlier surveillance photographs.

Based on training and experience, these movements were consistent with drug transportation and concealment activity.

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VII. SEIZED AND OBSERVED CONTRABAND (AS REPORTED)

Based on surveillance, informant statements, and officer observations, I believe that the following contraband is presently located at the Farm:

• Large quantities of marijuana (processed and unprocessed)

• Apparatus used in the manufacture of methamphetamine

• Quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine

• Digital and mechanical scales

• Ledgers reflecting distribution activity

• Firearms including rifles, shotguns, and handguns

• Materials consistent with clandestine drug labs, including glassware, solvents, and burners

• Stolen property including electronics, tools, and vehicle parts

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VIII. LEGAL BASIS

There is probable cause to believe the named defendants committed violations of:

• California Health & Safety Code §11351 – Possession for sale of controlled substances

• §11352 – Transportation and distribution of controlled substances

• §11358 – Cultivation of marijuana

• §11379.6 – Manufacturing a controlled substance

• Penal Code §182 – Criminal conspiracy

• Penal Code §496 – Possession of stolen property

• Penal Code §12020 / §12021 – Illegal possession of firearms

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IX. REQUEST

Based on the foregoing, I respectfully request that the Court:

1. Issue arrest warrants for the fifteen (15) adult residents identified in LSPD Report No. 73‑1174.

2. Issue search warrants authorizing the search of:

   • All structures, dwellings, trailers, outbuildings, and vehicles located on the Hickory Ridge Farm property

   • All persons found on the premises

3. Authorize the seizure of narcotics, paraphernalia, weapons, documents, and other evidence related to the offenses described.

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X. SWORN STATEMENT

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

/s/ Sgt. Daniel R. Valenz
Los Santos Police Department
C.R.A.S.H. Unit
July 9, 1973

Subscribed and sworn before me this 9th day of July, 1973.

/s/ Hon. Harold J. Mercer
Magistrate Judge, Red County Superior Court

  

FBI OPERATION IN EL CORONA - MIGUEL "MIKEY" SALAZAR IN FEDERAL CUSTODY

Miguel "Mikey" Salazar a member of the S/S Varrio 13 was arrested in May, 1975 during a multi-agency operation targeting heroin and cocaine distribution tied to Mexican-American street gangs. coordinated and spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. 

 

Salazar was found with:

• Distribution-level narcotics

• Stolen firearms

• Ledgers connecting him to multiple felonies

• Pending state warrants

He was facing 20–30 years federal time + state charges.

 

“Queen for a Day” Proffer Agreement (June 1975)

Salazar met with:

• FBI Los Santos Field Office

• DEA Group 12 (LS Basin)

• Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) John L. Messer of the Central District of San Andreas

Under USDOJ proffer rules, Salazar was granted:

• Use immunity for all statements made

• Transactional immunity for all conduct prior to the meeting

• Federal protection as Co-Conspirator #1

Salazar’s Bombshell Statement

He disclosed:

1. The drugs at Hickory Ridge Farm were planted at the direction of Sheriff Herschel McCready.

2. McCready coerced Salazar to transport the narcotics.

3. A corrupt LSPD Evidence Unit Officer supplied them.

4. A second LSPD officer transported evidence to Salazar in El Corona.

5. CRASH submitted false affidavits, knowing the evidence was tainted.

6. McCready used the fabricated raid to advance his career and eliminate the “hippie commune.”

This became the basis for federal civil rights charges, obstruction charges, and evidence-tampering counts.

 

1975 — Federal Grand Jury Indictment

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. HERSCHEL WAYNE MCCREADY
Indictment No. 75-CR-1182-MW

 

AFFIDAVIT:

Spoiler

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AND ARREST WARRANT

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
HERSCHEL L. McCREADY
(Former Sheriff, Red County Sheriff’s Office)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF SAN ANDREAS

Affiant: Special Agent Daniel R. Kelleher, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Date: August 12, 1975

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I, Daniel R. Kelleher, being duly sworn, depose and state the following:

INTRODUCTION AND AGENT BACKGROUND

1. I am a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), assigned to the Public Integrity and Public Corruption Unit within the Los Santos Field Office. I have been employed by the FBI since 1968. My duties include investigating violations of federal civil rights laws, public corruption, bribery, and criminal conspiracies involving state and local law-enforcement personnel.

2. I submit this affidavit in support of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant for Herschel Lee McCREADY, former Sheriff of Red County Sheriff's Office (“RCSO”), based on violations of:

   • 18 U.S.C. § 241 — Conspiracy Against Rights

   • 18 U.S.C. § 242 — Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law

   • 18 U.S.C. § 371 — Criminal Conspiracy

   • 18 U.S.C. § 1512 — Witness Tampering / Obstruction of Justice

   • 18 U.S.C. § 1001 — False Statements

   • 18 U.S.C. § 1621 — Perjury

3. The facts contained in this affidavit are based upon my personal knowledge, interviews conducted with cooperating individuals, review of official records, review of sworn testimony, and material obtained through federal search warrants. This affidavit does not contain all information developed during this investigation, but only that necessary to establish probable cause.

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVESTIGATION

4. Beginning in 1972, residents of an intentional farming community known as Hickory Ridge Farm ("The Ridge"), located outside Montgomery in Red County, were subjected to repeated harassment, unlawful stops, and coercive searches by Sheriff McCready and deputies operating under his direction.

5. In July 1973, a quantity of narcotics and weapons were “discovered” at Hickory Ridge Farm following an RCSO–LSPD collaborative operation. Fifteen residents were arrested and later convicted based on evidence submitted by Sheriff McCready and Los Santos Police Department CRASH Unit officers.

6. In 1975, during a federal narcotics raid in El Corona, Los Santos, the FBI detained Miguel A. Salazar, a known street-gang associate. Salazar (“CC-1”) agreed to a proffer/“Queen for a Day” session under counsel. He admitted, under oath, that the narcotics and weapons found at Hickory Ridge in 1973 were planted at the direction of Sheriff McCready, transported using LSPD Evidence Room personnel, and delivered to Salazar by an LSPD officer to be placed on Farm grounds.

7. CC-1 further stated that Sheriff McCready explicitly directed the planting of narcotics to “clear out those draft dodger hippie types” and “clean the county out.” CC-1 stated that he was paid cash by deputy intermediaries and repeatedly threatened with arrest or deportation if he ever revealed the scheme.

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PROBABLE CAUSE FOR EACH CHARGE

A. 18 U.S.C. § 241 — Conspiracy Against Rights

8. Numerous witnesses, including CC-1 and former RCSO deputies, stated that Sheriff McCready organized and directed a deliberate campaign to deprive the residents of Hickory Ridge Farm of their constitutional rights by orchestrating the planting of narcotics, staged evidence, and falsified investigative reports for the purpose of dismantling the community.

9. The fabricated evidence was used to conduct mass arrests, unlawful detentions, and seizures, thereby violating residents’ rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.

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B. 18 U.S.C. § 242 — Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law

10. Sheriff McCready knowingly filed affidavits asserting the presence of narcotics, weapons, and drug-manufacturing paraphernalia on Farm property, despite knowing the evidence had been planted.

11. McCready authorized and executed illegal searches and seizures without legal basis, relying solely on the evidence he arranged to have placed there.

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C. 18 U.S.C. § 371 — Criminal Conspiracy

12. Sheriff McCready conspired with:

• Miguel Salazar (CC-1),

• an LSPD Evidence Room officer (“CC-2”), and

• an LSPD CRASH officer assigned to South Central (“CC-3”),

to transport, distribute, and plant the narcotics used in the fabricated case.

13. Multiple communications and testimony confirm that McCready arranged payments, directed logistics, and coordinated timing around the July 1973 Red County Fair.

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D. 18 U.S.C. § 1512 — Witness Tampering / Obstruction of Justice

14. CC-1 and several deputies reported that Sheriff McCready made explicit threats of violence and imprisonment should any individual disclose the origin of the planted evidence.

15. In sworn statements, former Deputy R. T. Mallory stated he was warned by McCready that “your badge won’t save you if you open your mouth about that Fair job.”

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E. 18 U.S.C. § 1001 — False Statements

16. Sheriff McCready knowingly submitted false incident reports, falsified field-interview cards, and materially false statements to state prosecutors and the Red County Superior Court, including incorrect chain-of-custody logs and fabricated surveillance observations.

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F. 18 U.S.C. § 1621 — Perjury

17. Sheriff McCready testified before the Red County Superior Court in late 1973 that all evidence recovered at Hickory Ridge Farm had been legally obtained and originated from Farm grounds.

18. Based on CC-1’s statement, corroborated by federal forensic examination of seized items and testimony from CC-2 and CC-3, McCready’s statements under oath were knowingly false and made with the intent to mislead the court.

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CONCLUSION

19. Based on the foregoing, there is probable cause to believe that Herschel Lee McCready committed violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242, 371, 1512, 1001, and 1621, and that he participated in a coordinated criminal conspiracy involving members of the Los Santos Police Department and outside criminal actors.

20. I respectfully request that the Court issue a warrant for the arrest of Herschel L. McCready.

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/s/ Special Agent Daniel R. Kelleher
Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Los Santos Field Office

Sworn and subscribed before me this 12th day of August, 1975.

/s/ Arturo Patrizio Braga, Sr.
United States Magistrate Judge
Central District of San Andreas

 

SHERIFF ARRESTED, RELEASED ON BOND, DISAPPEARS

 

McCready was arrested in August, 1975, he was released on bond, but was ordered to remain in Red County under supervision. He was scheduled for trial in February, 1976. 

 

He disappeared in late 1976, during the winter, he failed the appear for a pre-trial status conference. A bench warrant was issued immediately. 

 

In early 1977, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Division classified him as a Federal Fugitive.

MOST WANTED FUGITIVE LISTING (1977)

McCready was placed on the Most Wanted Fugitive Listing in January, 1977. While not in the Top Ten, he was placed on a regional Most Wanted Fugitive Bulletin.

 

MULTI-AGENCY MANHUNT (1977-1979)

 

U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE BULLETIN

Spoiler

UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE

FUGITIVE INVESTIGATION BULLETIN

Issue Date: February 6, 1978
Case No.: USMS–CDSA–78–421

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SUBJECT:

HERSCHEL WAYNE McCREADY
Former Sheriff, Red County Sheriff’s Office
Federal Fugitive – Armed and Dangerous

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SUMMARY

The United States Marshals Service, Central District of San Andreas, is conducting a coordinated manhunt for Herschel L. McCready, former elected Sheriff of Red County, who failed to appear for federal arraignment on charges including Conspiracy Against Rights, Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, Criminal Conspiracy, Obstruction of Justice, False Statements, and Perjury.

McCready was last seen on November 19, 1977, leaving his residence in rural Red County the night before he was scheduled to surrender to federal custody. His vehicle was later recovered at a truck stop outside Montgomery with no signs of forced entry.

McCready has been formally designated a Federal Fugitive and added to the U.S. Marshals Service Major Case Fugitive Program.

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CHARGES

• 18 U.S.C. § 241 – Conspiracy Against Rights

• 18 U.S.C. § 242 – Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law

• 18 U.S.C. § 371 – Criminal Conspiracy

• 18 U.S.C. § 1512 – Witness Tampering / Obstruction

• 18 U.S.C. § 1001 – False Statements

• 18 U.S.C. § 1621 – Perjury

A federal arrest warrant is active and outstanding.

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DESCRIPTION

Name: Herschel Lee McCready
DOB: 09/14/1926
Age: 51 (at time of disappearance)
Sex: Male
Race: White
Height: 6’1”
Weight: Approx. 215 lbs
Hair: Greying brown
Eyes: Blue
Build: Broad, heavyset
Scars/Marks: Surgical scar on lower left abdomen; old burn scar on right forearm
Occupation: Former Sheriff, Red County (elected 1966, 1970, 1974)

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• McCready is believed to be familiar with local law-enforcement procedures, back roads, rural hiding places, and evasion techniques common to the region.

• He is known to have multiple associates among retired law-enforcement personnel and individuals involved in criminal enterprises in Los Santos County.

• He may be traveling under an assumed name or receiving aid from sympathizers.

• McCready has a history of heavy alcohol use and is known to carry firearms regularly, even when off duty.

• Investigative leads suggest he may have attempted to flee toward Blaine County, Venturas County, or interstate truck routes leading east.

McCready is considered armed and potentially dangerous.

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CAUTION

Law-enforcement personnel should exercise extreme caution. McCready received tactical, firearms, and pursuit training during his tenure and has made statements indicating he would not return to custody voluntarily.

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AGENCIES INVOLVED

The fugitive investigation is being conducted jointly by:

• United States Marshals Service, Central District of San Andreas

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Los Santos Field Office

• San Andreas Attorney General’s Office – Special Prosecutions Division

• Los Santos Police Department – Fugitive Detail

• San Andreas Highway Patrol (SHP)

• Red County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO)

• Montgomery Police Department (MPD)

• Palomino Creek Police Department (PCPD)

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CONTACT

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Herschel L. McCready is urged to contact:

U.S. Marshals Service – Central District of San Andreas
24-Hour Fugitive Tip Line: (213) 555-0129
Teletype Address: USMS-CDSA-HQ
Or contact any local law-enforcement agency immediately.

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NOTICE

All persons are reminded that harboring or assisting a federal fugitive is a violation of federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 1071.

 

Agencies involved:

Federal

• U.S. Marshals Service (Lead Agency)

  • Western District of San Andreas Fugitive Task Force

• FBI – Los Santos Resident Agency

• DEA – Group 12 & Group 18

  • In case disappearance was tied to narcotics groups

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)

  • Due to weapon trafficking leads

• San Andreas Highway Patrol (SHP)

• State Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation (BCII)

• California Department of Justice – Special Investigations Unit (SIU)

Local

• Red County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO)

• Montgomery Police Department (MPD)

• Palomino Creek Police Department (PCPD)

• Palomino Creek Sheriff Substation

Scope of the manhunt

• Nationwide BOLO distribution

• Interviews with former deputies, relatives, extremists, and outlaw motorcycle gangs

• Multiple false sightings along Route 68 and in Tierra Robada

• Searches of cabins, trailers, motels, and abandoned farms

• Fingerprint requests sent across western states

No confirmed sightings.

 

DRUGHOUSE BUSTED ON FERN RIDGE BY MONTGOMERY POLICE DEPARTMENT & RED COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (1979)

September 1979

City of Montgomery Police Department and the Red County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a known drug house on Fern Ridge.

During a grid search of the property perimeter, deputies discovered:

• A decomposed male body

• Wrapped loosely in a canvas tarp

• Approximately 100 yards from the structure in a wooded area

• Later identified via dental records as Herschel Wayne McCready

Residents’ Statements

The house occupants stated they:

• Had no knowledge of the body

• Had seen “transients” around the ridge earlier in the year

• Believed animals may have dragged the remains

They were arrested only on misdemeanor narcotics charges.

Medical Examiner’s Conclusion

Red County Medical Examiner (Montgomery Office):

• Time of death: Likely 1–2 years earlier

• Manner: Undetermined

• No identifiable cause due to decomposition

• No bullet fragments found

• No major fractures visible

Person of Interest

A Montgomery man later contacted investigators alleging:

• McCready had raped his daughter some years earlier

• The daughter gave a victim’s statement

• Insufficient evidence to file charges

• He was never arrested

 

MONTGOMERY SENTINEL ARTICLE

Spoiler

BODY OF FUGITIVE EX-SHERIFF FOUND NEAR FERN RIDGE DRUG HOUSE

Montgomery Sentinel — September 18, 1979

MONTGOMERY, SAN ANDREAS — Authorities confirmed Tuesday that the decomposed remains discovered last week near a residence on Fern Ridge belong to former Red County Sheriff Herschel Wayne McCready, who vanished nearly three years ago while awaiting federal trial.

McCready, 53, had been missing since December 1976, when he failed to appear for a scheduled pre-trial status conference in federal court. A bench warrant was issued the same day, prompting a statewide manhunt that widened into a federal fugitive investigation after months passed with no sign of the former sheriff.

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Remains Found During Drug House Search

On September 12, the City of Montgomery Police Department and Red County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a known drug residence overlooking Fern Ridge.

During a systematic grid search of the surrounding wooded area, deputies discovered a severely decomposed male body approximately 100 yards from the residence, partially concealed under a weathered canvas tarp among fallen leaves and brush.

The remains were later identified as McCready through dental records at the Red County Medical Examiner’s Office in Montgomery.

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Statements From Occupants

The residents of the Fern Ridge house — who were arrested only on misdemeanor narcotics charges stemming from the warrant — told investigators:

• they had no knowledge of the remains;

• they had seen transients moving through the ridge earlier in the year;

• and they believed wild animals could have dragged the body closer to the property.

No physical evidence has linked the occupants to McCready’s death.

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Cause of Death Still Unknown

Dr. Patrick Lowell, Chief Medical Examiner for Red County, released preliminary findings indicating:

• Time of death: likely 1–2 years before discovery

• Manner: Undetermined

• No bullet fragments present

• No major fractures visible

• Extreme decomposition rendered most forensic conclusions impossible

“We may never be able to determine precisely how Sheriff McCready died,” Lowell said.

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Allegation Surfaces From Local Resident

In the days following the discovery, investigators interviewed a Montgomery man who came forward alleging that McCready had committed statutory rape against his daughter several years earlier, when she was a minor. The now-adult woman provided a statement to authorities describing the incident.

However, due to the age of the allegation, lack of corroborating evidence, and the condition of the remains, investigators determined they could not pursue charges against any party, and no arrests were made.

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A Troubling Chapter Comes to a Close

McCready, once a prominent law-enforcement figure, was under federal indictment for civil-rights violations and evidence fabrication in the high-profile Hickory Ridge Farm narcotics case. His disappearance in the winter of 1976 triggered a joint investigation involving the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, San Andreas Highway Patrol, and multiple local agencies.

With the discovery and identification of the remains, federal officials announced that the fugitive case is now administratively closed, though the circumstances of McCready’s death remain an open, unsolved investigation.

 

OUTCOME FOR THE HICKORY RIDGE FARM

 

Federal Intervention and Legal Overturnings (1976–1978)

Between 1976 and 1978, attorneys for the Hickory Ridge defendants filed:

• Petitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus

• Motions for New Trial (Penal Code §1181)

• Brady Violations Claims

• Motions to Vacate Judgment Due to Fraud on the Court

Federal prosecutors submitted sealed evidence to the courts confirming the fabrication scheme.

By mid-1977:

• 13 of the 15 convictions were vacated outright

• 2 were reversed and remanded, and later dismissed

Several defendants had already served full sentences; others were released immediately. The State of San Andreas declined to re-file any charges.

In late 1978, the State issued formal findings acknowledging:

• systemic misconduct

• falsified warrants

• and unconstitutional deprivation of rights

 

LAWSUIT FILED BY HICKORY RIDGE RESIDENTS

The Hickory Ridge Farm plaintiffs were fully exonerated, with convictions vacated. They received financial settlements ranging from $12,000 to $95,000 each for wrongful imprisonment and civil rights violations, plus attorneys’ fees awarded under federal law. Red County and Los Santos contributed to the payouts, though no surviving officials faced criminal charges.

 

Spoiler

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

Central District of San Andreas

Case No.: 79-CV-4125-RC

Plaintiffs:
The Former Residents of Hickory Ridge Farm, et al.

v.

Defendants:

• Herschel Wayne McCready, former Sheriff of Red County (deceased)

• Deputies of the Red County Sheriff’s Office (names withheld)

• Officers of the Los Santos Police Department CRASH Unit (names withheld)

• County of Red County

• City of Los Santos

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COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS (42 U.S.C. §1983)

I. Jurisdiction and Venue

1. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1331 and §1343, as the claims arise under the Constitution and federal law.

2. Venue is proper in the Central District of San Andreas because the acts complained of occurred in Red County, within this district.

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II. Parties

1. Plaintiffs: Former residents of Hickory Ridge Farm, a communal settlement in Red County, San Andreas. Plaintiffs include men, women, and minors who were residing at the Farm during the period 1972–1973.

2. Defendants: See above. Defendants acted individually, in concert, and under color of law to deprive plaintiffs of their constitutional rights.

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III. Factual Allegations

1. From June–July 1973, defendants conspired to fabricate evidence of narcotics possession, distribution, and other criminal activity at Hickory Ridge Farm.

2. Defendants supplied narcotics and paraphernalia from law-enforcement sources to be planted on Farm property.

3. Sheriff McCready and CRASH officers approved false affidavits and executed an unlawful raid on July 10–12, 1973, during the Red County Fair.

4. Plaintiffs were arrested, prosecuted, and convicted based on this fabricated evidence.

5. Plaintiffs were detained in state facilities for periods ranging from months to several years.

6. Subsequent investigation, including testimony from Co-Conspirator #1 (Miguel Salazar) in 1975, revealed the evidence was knowingly falsified by defendants.

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IV. Claims for Relief

Count I — Deprivation of Civil Rights (42 U.S.C. §1983)

• Defendants, acting under color of law, deprived plaintiffs of Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to be free from unlawful searches, seizures, and arrests.

Count II — Conspiracy to Deprive Civil Rights

• Defendants conspired to fabricate evidence, initiate false prosecutions, and cover up misconduct.

Count III — Abuse of Process / Malicious Prosecution

• Defendants initiated criminal proceedings against plaintiffs without probable cause, for purposes other than justice.

Count IV — Negligent / Willful Supervision and Policy Failures (Municipal Liability)

• Red County and City of Los Santos failed to properly supervise law enforcement officers, allowing constitutional violations to occur.

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V. Prayer for Relief

Plaintiffs respectfully request the Court to:

1. Declare that defendants violated plaintiffs’ constitutional rights;

2. Vacate or expunge all criminal convictions stemming from the 1973 Hickory Ridge Farm raid;

3. Award compensatory damages for physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered;

4. Award punitive damages against individual defendants;

5. Award attorneys’ fees and costs under 42 U.S.C. §1988;

6. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

 

AFTERMATH

After McCready was found deceased, the federal case against him was officially dismissed in 1979. This closed a huge wound that was haunting Red County the past few years, and the 1980s brought much happier circumstances. The Hickory Ridge Farm still remained populated, it was undefeated in the face of tyranny and systemic injustice. Throughout the 1980s, and the 1990s, The Hickory Ridge only hosted a few dozen people, and was slowly declining. They still contributed to the local economy, hosting events, and fairs. The original owners have abandoned all ties to the Ridge during and after the persecutions. During the late 80s, 90s, population loss was more visible and by the end of the 90s, the Red County Assessor’s Office officially listed Hickory Ridge Farm as uninhabited, marking the end of an era for the historic community

 

-- IC PORTION ENDS HERE --

 

-- OOC PORTION BEGINS HERE --

 

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Hickory Ridge faction is to bring life to Red County and its surrounding towns by portraying realistic, day-to-day life on a farm in Palomino Creek. This faction is strictly legal; any illegal activities are not sanctioned by leadership. The only in-character exception may be moonshining or other gray-area activities, provided they do not break IC laws or server rules.

 

Our goal is to depict rural life as accurately as possible, without mocking, goofing, or shaming anyone or anything. Members are encouraged to explore real-life struggles, character archetypes, and story arcs, as long as all roleplay is respectful and follows LS-RP rules. We strive for high-quality, character-driven, heavy-text roleplay. This faction focuses on everyday life, not gang-style or illegal faction action.

 

We take inspiration from real-life rural, “redneck” living—not as a derogatory term, but to describe hard-working men and women facing tough conditions outdoors.

 

WE ARE NOT A WHITE SUPREMACY FACTION, WE REJECT RACISM, HOMOPHOBY IN ALL SHAPE AND FORM. WE WELCOME EVERYONE. <3

 

You may portray flawed people, including highly-flawed people, as many people living in rural areas suffer from deep poverty, disabilities, not having access to physical & mental healthcare services.  Any form of mockery is prohibited.

 

We also strive to use regional dialects all over the United States (depending on character's origins), to bring more flavor to our roleplay. Southern Drawl, Midwest Accents, different words, overemphasized words, trying to use as many of these words to create more flavorful and interesting conversations.

 

Beyond portrayal of daily chores around the farm, we also want to interact with players from different areas on the server. Providing services as skilled tradespeople (roofing, plumbing, mechanic, drywall, etc.).

 

Events to involve more players in Red County are also on the priority list of this faction, events, such as: Farmer's Markets, County Fair. 

 

We expect the absolute highest standards from any and all of our members and in return we offer a colorful roleplay experience. 

 

Character Driven Expectations

Strong emphasis is placed on character driven roleplay. We are portraying people, not avatars. It is highly encouraged to try to live through your character and shape your decisions from their point-of-view and not by the player's.  These people have real flaws, some have been combat veterans, meth addicts, alcoholics (maybe they lost teeth, have medical problems, take medications daily), or others became disillusioned with city life and want a break from all the noise. Have a story that you can stick to, and don't reveal it all at once, let it flow naturally.

 

We also encourage you to bring characters who are from Los Santos, and have no idea about rural life. We have our own framework for which we expect rural roleplay, and it's best if you build your character from the ground up. While we don't have a specific age limit, we recommend you to bring younger adult characters, as they will start their career from doing the dirtiest, most grueling and sometimes most pointless jobs, which aims to build character. You will have the opportunity to age-up later if you so desire. 

 

You may bring male, female, black, white, doesn't matter. All characters start from zero. 

 

Regarding Family Play

Family play is welcome, but you can only do so once faction leadership has evaluated your skills and deemed them to be adequate for our standards.

 

Structure

 

Our faction is highly structured, hierarchical, with lots of ranks, but it has a clear purpose. We have clear-cut expectations for everyone. The way leadership behaves towards newcomers is way different than old-timers, and it has a reason. Trust. The longer you've been known, the more we trust you, and the more responsibilities you may get. We also have a vast number of honorary ranks which you can earn, that can fit your character. Structure is beneficial because we communicate things clearly, and all expectations are there. No second-guessing. No miscommunication. Age ups are an OPTIONAL feature in the faction. It is absolutely not mandatory to age your character. But in order for you to be able to do so, you must get permission from higher ranking members. Older/higher ranking members get a lot of respect, people look to them for advice and guidance. They tell stories, etc.

 

Rules

- You must be respectful to people OOC, bullying, name-calling, shaming is forbidden.

- You must follow all of LS-RP's rules IC and OOC.

- You must not receive administrative punishments (all of these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, some result in strikes, others instant kick).

- Rulebreakers are awarded strikes, after 3 strikes, you are kicked from the faction. (you may only be allowed back if you demonstrate significant change).

- You must not have had a ban in the last 2 months or admin jails in the last month. (evaluated on a case-by-case basis).

- Harassments of any types are prohibited, you get kicked from the faction.

- Faction leadership has the right to put you on a blacklist for any reason.

- Ability to have fun :)

(Rules are subject to change at any time, not knowing the rules does not exempt you from any punishments).

Last edited: 11/16/2025 10:00 PM CET (server time).

 

Expectations:

- You must contribute to the faction by posting screens on this forum thread (after approved by faction leadership on Discord).

- You must have a good written understanding of the English language (punctuations included).

- You must be at least familiar with roleplay rules (we welcome everybody, but only if you demonstrate willingness to learn).

- Usage of Discord (microphone NOT REQUIRED, we only ask this for faction communications).

- Character-driven roleplay is mandatory.

- It is expected of you to roleplay thoroughly, cleanly and concisely (we can teach you this). 

 

HOW DO I JOIN?

If you wish to join the faction, you need to contact @NevadaUSA on the forum in PM or by Discord PM: @theofficialnevada This is required because the farm is technically private property, you cannot just show up there unannounced. You may also find fliers, phone numbers, or advertisements. By contacting me, we can go over a few details on your story, background and how you will find a job listing from us (Craigslist, etc.). I can also help you give you some advice on how to shape your character.

 

[NevadaUSA]

Reserved.

[NevadaUSA]

Reserved.

[NevadaUSA]