ERADICATION YIELDS 108 MARIJUANA PLANTS

On September 2, 2009, Sheriff Alan C. Jones announced that Agents with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office ICE Unit, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and North Carolina Army National Guard conducted a marijuana eradication operation in Caldwell County.

The operation yielded a total of 108 plants seized from five different locations within the County. The marijuana plants, ranging in size from two to seven feet tall, are valued at approximately $259,200, according to State guidelines.

One suspect has been identified and arrested with further arrests anticipated. The suspect, Dusty William Pennell of 4574 Oak Hill School Road, age 24, was charged with one count of Felony Manufacture Marijuana. Pennell was also charged with one count of Felony Breaking, Entering, Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Property in another unrelated case he was already under investigation for. Pennell was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond and has a first appearance in District Court on September 3, 2009.

Sheriff Alan C. Jones stated, "Most of the plants seized were at full maturity and had been professionally cared for. With it being harvest time our eradication efforts will definitely continue."