Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010

JACO deputies arrest man for growing marijuana

Emily Jarrett, Journal Staff

Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Maine man who was allegedly growing marijuana in his car, according to the sheriff’s office.

Nathaniel F. Evans, 30, was charged with felony possession, manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance.

According to reports, on Feb. 10, a deputy assigned to the sheriff’s office drug unit stopped a vehicle near I-70 and Woods Chapel Road for a traffic violation.

“As the conversation evolved between the man and the deputy, the deputy discovered there may be contraband in the vehicle,” said Sgt. Steve Leone, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.

Leone said the Jackson County K-9 unit was not called in to investigate because, “the marijuana was in plain view.”

Deputies also found 26 marijuana plants being grown inside a plastic tote that was rigged with a heat lamp, powered by the battery of the vehicle.

Evans was given a $25,000 bond.