Psilocybin, found in some bags that were tested, is a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY file Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms.
Fallbrook, California – A Fallbrook couple and their associate have been indicted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to employ or use minors to violate the Controlled Substances Act, after allegedly involving children in the production and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. Randal Vance, 42, his wife, Rebecca Vance, 41, and Keir Ceballos-Rivera, 33, were arrested Wednesday and indicted in federal court Thursday.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, presented evidence, including photographs, showing the Vances’ 9- and 11-year-old children, as well as another minor, holding psilocybin mushrooms. Prosecutors allege the children were involved in harvesting the mushrooms at two locations in Fallbrook and Bonsall.
Court documents reveal disturbing allegations, including text messages where Randal Vance boasted about the children’s involvement in growing and distributing the mushrooms. In one instance, Vance allegedly texted a photo of his 11-year-old child holding a large psilocybin mushroom, stating the child “helps me grow them.” Another text message indicated that Vance advised his child on selling psilocybin capsules at school, warning them to keep it secret from parents.
Prosecutors also allege that Randal Vance admitted to dosing the children with psilocybin, claiming it was “good for kids’ brains.” He reportedly discussed administering microdoses to the children on a regular basis. Ceballos-Rivera is accused of sending Vance a photograph of another child holding a large mushroom, with a message suggesting an attempt to conceal the child’s identity.
A search of the Vances’ properties in October reportedly yielded over 225 pounds of fresh mushrooms, 78 pounds of dried mushrooms, 40 pounds of psilocybin chocolate bars, and equipment for growing and processing the substance. Law enforcement also seized multiple unsecured firearms, including pistols and rifles, along with loaded magazines.
After Randal Vance was released on state charges, he and his co-defendants allegedly conspired to destroy evidence on their phones and shut down websites used for distribution.
The Vances are currently being held without bail, with prosecutors arguing they are a flight risk. Ceballos-Rivera is scheduled for a detention hearing on Tuesday. The charges they face include conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance to minors, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The charge of conspiracy to employ or use minors to violate the Controlled Substances Act carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
