Pot suspect turns himself in

May 23, 2000|By DAVE McMILLION, Charles Town

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - A man living in a house on Job Corps Road where police allege they found an elaborate marijuana growing operation last week was charged with two drug offenses Tuesday, according to court records.

Police said the man was not there when they raided the house last Wednesday. Officers left a note telling him to call police, Jefferson County Sheriff William Senseney said.

Detectives and undercover officers raiding the home alleged they found 149 marijuana plants and a large amount of cured pot in four 33-gallon garbage bags.

Jason Barrett Drake, 37, of 3200 Chestnut Grove Road, Hedgesville, W.Va., showed up at Jefferson County Magistrate Court Tuesday afternoon with his attorney, James T. Kratovil, said Magistrate Katherine Santucci.

Santucci arraigned Drake on charges of possession with intent to deliver and manufacturing of a controlled substance, according to magistrate court records.

Drake was released on $15,000 bond, court officials said.

Conviction on each of the drug charges carries a possible punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, court records said.

Although Drake is alleged to live in the house on Job Corps Road, police believe he had just bought a house on Chestnut Grove Road in Hedgesville, said Chief Deputy Jesse Jones.

Police said 112 mature marijuana plants about 5 feet tall were found in the Job Corps Road house. The rest were new ones that were just being started, Senseney said.

There was an exhaust system in the house to vent heat from the growing operation, and "grow lights" and carbon dioxide canisters were on timers, Senseney said.

The carbon dioxide was being provided to the plants to help them grow faster, he said.

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