Two Deer Park Drug Operations Uncovered
Thursday, February 24, 2005
New Richmond News
(edited)
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Department confirmed that a drug deal was thwarted by the St. Croix Valley Drug Task Force last Thursday just outside of Deer Park.
Authorities revealed that a large quantity of methamphetamines was purchased by the Task Force at a deal at the Holiday gas station at the Four Corners. One individual was arrested in the incident.
In a separate investigation, two Deer Park men were arrested on drug charges following a warranted search of their residence on Feb. 8.
The men, 31 and 26, were taken into custody by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department after multiple marijuana plants were allegedly found growing at 100 South West St.
According to the criminal complaint, both men were arrested shortly after they drove by their residence as it was being searched. Authorities arrested one man for manufacturing marijuana and the other for possession of marijuana. A small amount of marijuana was found in one person's jacket during the stop.
Following his arrest, the 31 year old admitted to maintaining a growing operation, the complaint stated. The younger person did not give a voluntary statement.
Investigators determined that the approximate value of marijuana recovered in the bust totaled $10,000 to $15,000. They noted that the plants found were high grade and would have had to have been produced by an experienced grower.
Both men each face a felony count of maintaining a drug trafficking place. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum sentence of three years and six months in jail.
Both have been charged with possession with intent to deliver (less than 200 grams) as well, which holds a penalty of up to three years and six months. Since their residence is located near the Deer Park Village Park however, that charge has been modified for both men to include intent for delivery near parks, which could add five years to a sentence, if convicted.
Other charges include a possession with intent to deliver (between 200 to 1,000 grams) for one of the men and a manufacturing marijuana count for the other.
On Monday, both men were in St. Croix County Circuit Court on the charges. A preliminary hearing was held for the youngest and his arraignment has been scheduled for March 25.
The oldest pled not guilty to all charges at his arraignment. A signature bond was also set for him at $15,000.
