FALLBROOK, CA – A 43-year-old North County man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after running a massive psilocybin mushroom operation and repeatedly dosing his two young children with the hallucinogenic drug.
Massive Drug Operation Uncovered
Federal prosecutors identified Randal Vance as the ringleader of a large-scale cultivation and distribution network. During a raid on October 4, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at two properties tied to Vance in Fallbrook and Bonsall.
At the Fallbrook location, investigators seized:
- 204 pounds of fresh psilocybin mushrooms
- 53 pounds of dried mushrooms
- 18 pounds of inoculated growing substrate
An additional 25 pounds of dried mushrooms and five pounds of psilocybin capsules were recovered at the Bonsall property. Investigators also found six unsecured firearms, including loaded handguns and rifles, alongside the narcotics.
Children Forced into Distribution and Dosed Daily
According to court records, Vance admitted that his sons were just 9 and 11 years old when he forced them to help cultivate, produce, and distribute the federally controlled substance.
Vance further admitted to giving the young boys psilocybin capsules starting in October 2023, eventually increasing the frequency to daily doses by 2024. Additionally, prosecutors stated Vance supplied capsules to his oldest son, who was 12 at the time, to sell to friends, and provided the drug to his wife for further distribution.
Online Sales and Obstruction Charges
Vance used the Instagram handle “psillyrabbitca” and websites like psillyrabbit.com to market dried mushrooms, infused chocolates, and pure psilocybin capsules. Following his arrest, Vance and his co-defendants conspired to destroy evidence by deleting phone messages and taking down their digital storefronts.
His wife, Rebecca Vance, and co-defendant Keir Ceballos-Rivera have already pleaded guilty in connection with the case and are currently awaiting sentencing.
Facing a Century in Prison
Vance pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to use a minor to produce a controlled substance, distributing a controlled substance to minors, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He is scheduled for sentencing in September and faces a maximum allowable punishment of up to 110 years in federal prison.
