City man arrested for growing marijuana

VW County Sheriff’s information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced the arrest of a man for having a marijuana growing operation in his home.

Kory M. Stewart, 37, of Van Wert, was arrested Tuesday and charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana, a felony of the third degree. He is being held in the Van Wert County Correctional Facility until an initial appearance scheduled in Van Wert Municipal Court.

Sheriff Riggenbach stated that his office received a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website about a possible marijuana grow operation at 721 N. Washington St. in Van Wert.  Investigators with the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force and sheriff’s deputies investigated the tip, which resulted in a search warrant being executed at the residence.

The sheriff said 61 marijuana plants, with a potential street value of $61,0000, were recovered from the grow operation. Also taken for evidentiary purposes were lights and equipment used in the grow operation, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a cell phone and two laptop computers.

Sheriff Riggenbach added that the investigation is continuing and additional charges could be filed. In addition, a nuisance abatement letter will be sent to owners of the North Washington Street residence to make them aware of what occurred at the property. The purpose of the nuisance abatement letter is to make property owners aware of alleged illegal activity occurring on their property and directs them to take action in hopes of abating future illegal activity at a residence.

The sheriff noted that state law does allow for the seizure of property, if property owners knowingly permit illegal activity to continue on their property.

Sheriff Riggenbach also asks that anyone with information on drug activity contact the Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866 or on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com (click the “Submit a Crime Tip” link).  Anyone reporting information can remain anonymous.

Sheriff Riggenbach stated his office would continue to aggressively pursue all drug tips that his office receives.

Area residents can also report information on other crimes by using the above options or by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP. Those providing tips can also remain anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers.