Deputies unsure if Sebastopol man was set up or actually tacked up ad with his own name, address

In a case that qualifies for either a dumb-criminal award or as some type of conniving set-up, Sonoma County sheriff's deputies were led to a Sebastopol home by a sign out front reading: "Marijuana Sale $2130 lb."

The large sign tacked to a pole on the rural road appeared overnight with smaller letters noting "Call Armando," and the address on Lynch Road.

Deputies, alerted by a passer-by who saw the sign, said they went to the home on Wednesday and knocked on the door.

Initially, the occupant denied he was selling marijuana, authorities said.

"Wait a minute. The sign outside says you're selling marijuana," Lt. Tim Duke said was the deputy's response.

The man, identified as Armando Alvarezdevalle, 62, eventually acknowledged he was growing and selling pot, but to medical marijuana dispensaries and "other people," Duke said.

In the garage, they found an indoor "grow" of about 300 plants from 1 to 3 feet in height.

Alvarezdevalle had a medical marijuana card, but the Sheriff's Office said the grow was beyond what is allowed under the 30-plant-per-patient county guideline and there was no documentation that showed he was growing plants for other patients.

"He was obviously out of compliance," Duke said,

Deputies also found a loaded. 22-caliber revolver.

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