Published: September 14, 2009 01:15 pm      

WEB FIRST: Marijuana grow operation busted

Pulaski County police make discovery at campground

WINAMAC — A report of a fight at a campground in Pulaski County led police on a path to hundreds of marijuana plants.

About 8:45 p.m. Saturday, officers from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Winamac Police Department were dispatched to the Broken Arrow Campground in reference to a fight. Upon arriving, Deputy Robert Zimmerman and Officer Mark Hoffman were directed to the camper of one of the persons involved, later identified as 41-year-old Johnny Dewayne Green.

While trying to find Green, who was not at his campsite, officers reportedly observed evidence of drug use on the front porch of his camper. Green returned a short time later with officers, who were given consent to search the trailer, according to a news release.

During the search, police found a quantity of what they believed to be marijuana, along with numerous items used to grow marijuana. Police reported finding Mylar sheeting, electronic ballasts, a reflector hood, tubing, hoses, timers and a thermostat.

A dehydrator was being used to dry some of the suspected marijuana and more was found hanging to dry, police say.

Green was jailed on charges of marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana greater than 30 grams, possession of marijuana with a prior conviction and maintaining a common nuisance.

A short time later, Deputy Zimmerman called the Knox Police Department about Green’s arrest and his address at 419 W. Maple St. in Knox.

Knox police officer Dave Combs went to the residence and reported that he could see an adult marijuana plant growing inside the residence.

Officers then executed a search warrant and found about 200 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

Police called the indoor grow operation sophisticated because of its irrigation and lighting systems.

Knox police seized the plants and items used in their cultivation.

Green is lodged in the Pulaski County Jail, but he also has charges pending in Starke County.

• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at (574) 732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com