The Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force along with Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter conducted Marijuana Eradication in Williams, Fulton, Henry, Putnam and Defiance Counties the week of August 12, 2013. Agents were assisted by members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Wauseon Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office. 1160 Marijuana plants were seized in the five county area. These plants have a street value of approximately $1,740,000.00.
Two persons were arrested in Putnam County as a result of eradication efforts.
Michael K. Schwaiger, age 59, 12678 Road G12, Ottawa, Ohio, was charged with Cultivation of Marijuana over 1000 grams, but less than 5000 grams, a Felony of the Third Degree; Possession of Marijuana over 1000 grams, but less than 5000 grams, a Felony of the Third Degree and Possession of Criminal Tools a Felony of the Fifth Degree.
Also charged was Joe E. Bonar, age 54, 12678 Road G12, Ottawa, Ohio was charged with Cultivation of Marijuana over 1000 grams, but less than 5000 grams, a Felony of the Third Degree; Possession of Marijuana over 1000 grams, but less than 5000 grams, a Felony of the Third Degree and Possession of Criminal Tools a Felony of the Fifth Degree.
The possession of Criminal Tools charge stems from the indoor grow equipment being recovered at the residence, to include fans, watering system, fertilizers, etc. Also recovered at the residence was approximately 25 grams of Methamphetamine. Additional charges for Possession of Methamphetamine and Trafficking in Marijuana will be presented to a Putnam County Grand Jury in September.
The Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force is anticipating Cultivation charges on an additional three individuals in Putnam County. Those charges will also be presented to the September Grand Jury.
Cases on three individuals will be forwarded to the Williams County Prosecuting Attorney for Cultivation of Marijuana charges. It is anticipated that these charges will also be presented to a Grand Jury in Williams County in September.
Cases on three individuals will be forwarded to the Henry County Prosecuting Attorney for Cultivation of Marijuana charges.
While conducting the Marijuana Eradication a plot of plants was also recovered along the Lucas County Line. It is anticipated that two individuals will be charged in this incident. Additionally, a plot of plants was also discovered along the Paulding County line where an additional two persons are expected to be charged with Cultivation of Marijuana. These cases were turned over to the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, respectively.
The names and actual charges against all other individuals will be released once charges are filed with the different court systems.
The participating agencies of the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force include: Defiance City Police Department, Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Bryan Police Department and the Williams County Sheriff’s Office.
INFORMATION PROVIDED