Cotati man arrested on drug and pornography charges

Cotati police are hoping to track down more witnesses for their case against a Cotati man suspected of molesting the same youngsters he allegedly used to sell marijuana he grew.

James Michael Grippe, 54, was arrested at his West Sierra Avenue home Tuesday night, the result of a month-long investigation into his alleged dealings with drugs, sex and children, Cotati Police Sgt. Dave Houts said.

A search of his home in the 400 block of West Sierra Avenue turned up 65 marijuana plants, 22 ounces of processed marijuana, two firearms, $7,200 in cash and the alleged child pornography, police said.

Hundreds of photos of children involved in sex acts were among evidence seized during the search, which resulted from complaints raised by juveniles, Houts said.

Authorities also found packaging bags, a digital scale, lighting and venting equipment such as that commonly used for indoor marijuana grows.

Grippe was arrested for suspected possession of child pornography, child molestation, supplying marijuana to a child, and cultivation and sales of marijuana.

He was jailed overnight, but released from the Sonoma County Jail on Thursday after posting bond for $50,000 bail, authorities said.