San Diego man charged with running 13 illegal pot farms

A San Diego man has been charged with operating illegal marijuana farms at 13 homes across three Southern California counties.

Authorities say they raided leased homes in Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Rowland Heights, and Hacienda Heights.

Chiaming Hsu was arrested at the Rowland Heights house. He's charged with conspiracy to cultivate marijuana and other crimes. Authorities say they seized nearly 19,000 marijuana plants at the indoor farms and arrested nine people they believe were tending them.

Authorities say nobody lived in the homes and the rooms were packed with pot plants in various stages of growth.

California requires marijuana growers to have a state license.