ELDRED TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Rimersburg man is facing drug charges after he was allegedly found to be in possession of 124 live Marijuana plants, two pounds of processed Marijuana, and related items at a property on Fisher Road, in Sigel, Jefferson County.
According to a criminal complaint, around 11:00 a.m. on November 17, Trooper Boltz of Punxsutawney-based State Police, was informed there was a Marijuana Grow operation located at 12463 Fisher Road, in Sigel. Authorities also learned there was a U-Haul backed up to the rear of the residence, and the Grow operation was going to be moved to a location in Southern Clarion County.
The criminal complaint states that around 2:08 p.m. on November 17, members of the Troop C Vice Unit along with members of PSP Clarion arrived at this residence.
As officers approached the residence, 37-year-old Marlin John Bellesfield, Jr., of Rimersburg, exited the residence by way of the front door, the complaint indicates.
He was approached to be interviewed about the information of the Grow. At this time, a strong odor of raw Marijuana was allegedly detected coming from Bellesfield as well as from the residence, the complaint continues.
Trooper Boltz requested permission to search the residence. Bellesfield allegedly denied this request, so Trooper Boltz was granted a search warrant for the residence by Jefferson County Judge John Foradora, the complaint states.
On November 17, the search warrant was served, and 124 live Marijuana plants, approximately two pounds of processed Marijuana packaged for sale, grow lights, electric ballasts, a hydroponic watering system, and packaging material were found inside the residence, according to the complaint.
Also allegedly found in the residence was a loaded 22 Mag Rifle as well as a loaded AR-15 Rifle along with approximately 500 live rounds for this rifle, the complaint continues.
Based on the investigation, Trooper Boltz requested an arrest warrant be issued for Bellesfield.
Court documents indicate he was arraigned on the following charges:
- Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony (two counts)
- Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
- Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor
Unable to post $75,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 3 in front of Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak.
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