Ada man charged with growing marijuana

VW independent/submitted information

An Ada man was arrested on drug-related charges after a search of a Van Wert County residence on Wednesday uncovered a marijuana growing operation.

David J. Haught Jr., 30, was arrested and charged with possession of Schedule 2 drugs, a felony of the fifth degree, for allegedly operating a marijuana growing operation at 14125 Ohio 116 near Van Wert.

According to Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach, a search warrant was executed at the State Route 116 address after his office received a tip about a possible marijuana grow operation there. County deputies and investigators with the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force obtained a search warrant and found the grow operation and 52 marijuana plants with a potential street value totaling $52,000.

Also taken for evidentiary purposes was a small amount of suspected morphine, a small amount of loose marijuana, scales and grinders, drug paraphernalia, and prescription bottles.

Another man was also found at the residence, but has not been charged at this time. Sheriff Riggenbach said the investigation is continuing and additional charges likely filed.

In addition, the sheriff said a nuisance letter will be sent to the owner of the property describing the illegal activity discovered at the residence and warning the property owner to take action to prevent further problems at the residence. Further illegal activity at the house could result in the owner forfeiting his property if the owner knowingly allows illegal activity to take place.

Sheriff Riggenbach also asks anyone with information about drug activity contact his office at 419.238.3866 or use the sheriff’s website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and click on the “submit a crime tip” link. Those wanting to remain anonymous while submitting tips can do so. The sheriff said all drug tips would be aggressively pursued.

Area residents can also report drug activity and other crimes anonymously by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.