Herb Fellow
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NEWARK – A man suspected of involvement in an indoor marijuana-growing operation turned himself in to authorities Wednesday. Kenneth R. Summerville, 34, of 340 Cottage Grove Circle, Pataskala, turned himself in early Wednesday to the Licking County Justice Center. Summerville then was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana, a third-degree felony.
His bond was set at $15,000 by Judge David Branstool in Licking County Municipal Court. It was posted by a relative. Pataskala Police Chief Chris Forshey said prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Summerville late last week.
Forshey said Summerville owns the home at 340 Cottage Grove Circle. Police on Jan. 18 searched that home with a search warrant and discovered 165 marijuana plants inside it.
The tip was relayed to police by a confidential informant, according to an affidavit in support of his arrest. The informant told police he became suspicious when Summerville asked to put electrical bills, which topped $600 monthly, into his name, the affidavit states.
It did not appear as if anyone lived in the home because there was little furniture inside it, police said. In addition to the marijuana, police confiscated hydroponic growing equipment, a ventilation system and lights. The basement operation had its own fuse box, the affidavit alleges.
Police recently weighed the marijuana, and Forshey said it was 41 pounds. The haul might be the largest in Pataskala's history. "That's the most I'm aware of," Forshey said.
An additional count of felony possession of marijuana also might be considered by a Licking County grand jury, according to court documents. Forshey said police have not closed the case. "His arrest is part of the continuing investigation, and we'll continue to put the case together for prosecution," Forshey said.
Source: The Advocate
Copyright: 2008, The Advocate
Contact: CHAD KLIMACK, Advocate Reporter
Website: The Advocate - www.newarkadvocate.com - Newark, Ohio
His bond was set at $15,000 by Judge David Branstool in Licking County Municipal Court. It was posted by a relative. Pataskala Police Chief Chris Forshey said prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Summerville late last week.
Forshey said Summerville owns the home at 340 Cottage Grove Circle. Police on Jan. 18 searched that home with a search warrant and discovered 165 marijuana plants inside it.
The tip was relayed to police by a confidential informant, according to an affidavit in support of his arrest. The informant told police he became suspicious when Summerville asked to put electrical bills, which topped $600 monthly, into his name, the affidavit states.
It did not appear as if anyone lived in the home because there was little furniture inside it, police said. In addition to the marijuana, police confiscated hydroponic growing equipment, a ventilation system and lights. The basement operation had its own fuse box, the affidavit alleges.
Police recently weighed the marijuana, and Forshey said it was 41 pounds. The haul might be the largest in Pataskala's history. "That's the most I'm aware of," Forshey said.
An additional count of felony possession of marijuana also might be considered by a Licking County grand jury, according to court documents. Forshey said police have not closed the case. "His arrest is part of the continuing investigation, and we'll continue to put the case together for prosecution," Forshey said.
Source: The Advocate
Copyright: 2008, The Advocate
Contact: CHAD KLIMACK, Advocate Reporter
Website: The Advocate - www.newarkadvocate.com - Newark, Ohio
