By Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
drewmoody@verizon.net
A Gilmer County man, Harry Parsons, posted a $3,500 cash
bond and awaits a preliminary hearing on felony-level charges
he was cultivating marijuana on his property.
Parsons of Chestnut Lick Road, near Normantown, is the second
case of "tomato patch pot" discovered in the area recently.
Acting on an anonymous tip, Senior Trooper R.P. Smith, of the
West Virginia State Police, assisted by Gilmer County Sheriff's
Deputy Casey Jones visited the Parsons property last Wednesday,
June 21.
Trooper Smith said he explained the reason for his visit to Parson's
wife, who gave police permission to search the property.
Parson's arrived home from work shortly after the search began,
according to reports.
The initial search revealed 10 marijuana plants in the family garden,
planted alongside young tomato plants.
Believing there were more plants in the area, Gilmer County Sheriff
Mickey Metz and Deputy Larry Gerwig were requested to assist in
a more thorough search of the property.
Eventually a total of 25 plants were found. They were confiscated
and will undergo testing at the state crime lab.
Parson's was interrogated at the scene and police took his statement.
If convicted of the charge of cultivation of marijuana Parson's
could face 1-5 years in jail and up to a $15,000 fine.
Gilmer, Lewis and Braxton Counties are part of the
Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The
primary focus of this multi jurisdictional task force is to reduce
the production and trafficking of illegal drugs - especially
marijuana.
According to Office of National Drug Control Policy
the government believes close to 35-percent of all marijuana grown
in the U.S. is cultivated in TN, KY and WV.
Anyone wishing to confidentially report a crime, or suspicious
activity, can contact the Glenville detachment of the West Virginia
State Police at 462-7101.
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