On behalf of Dickman Law Offices, P.S.C. posted in Drug Charges on Saturday, December 3, 2011

As is often the case in a drug manufacturing crime, many levels of law enforcement are often involved, as was the case in a recent incident in Barren County. Responding to an anonymous tip, Kentucky State Troopers engaged in an investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Special Investigations Unit, DTF detectives and an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.

According to reports, three men with ties to the Jackson County, Ohio area are facing multiple charges after Kentucky State Troopers performed a raid on a residence in Barren County. When Kentucky authorities arrived at the residence they discovered what was described as an “elaborate indoor marijuana grow operation.” The raid led to a seizure of 1,300 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $2.6 million dollars.

Facing multiple drug charges are a 69-year-old and 39-year-old male from Glasgow, and a 43-year-old Wellston man. Two of the men had previous citations filed in Jackson County Municipal Court.

In addition to the 1,300 plants seized, a number of other materials were seized in the search, including growing equipment and chemicals. Also found were computerized equipment, several outdoor power equipment tools as well as several vehicles such as a tractor, an ATV and two pick-up trucks. $21,000 cash and two firearms were also found in the search.

The initial charges include the cultivation of marijuana of five or more plants as well as complicity to cultivating. The 69-year-old suspect is facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and first degree persistent felony offender. He is being held in Barren County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond while the other two suspects were both released on $1,500 cash bonds each.

It is clear that these suspects have a lengthy legal battle ahead of them, particularly the 69-year-old suspect who appears to be a repeat felony offender. Even so, they have the right to a strong defense and a qualified criminal defense attorney will be able to help them face these charges and the evidence brought against them to ensure they receive a fair trial, and that all of their Constitutional rights are maintained.

Source: The Jackson County Times-Journal, “Marijuana bust in Kentucky had Jackson County ties,” Felicia Tackett, Nov. 16, 2011