Published: June 18, 2009 08:20 am      

Two men charged with growing marijuana

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

Two men were charged with misdemeanor cultivation of marijuana on Wednesday after citizen tips came into the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London.

Public Affairs Officer Trooper Don Trosper said the KSP received information on two possible marijuana grows in Whitley County

Christopher Hayes, 38, of Williamsburg, was charged with cultivating marijuana (less than five plants), which were allegedly found on Ancil Leach Road.

Arrested separately was Benny Joe Leach, 67, of Williamsburg, charged with growing less than five plants on KY 1804 in the Saxton community.

Earlier this month, KSP conducted a media blitz asking residents to report suspected marijuana growers to authorities.

“We’ve had numerous tips come in from numerous different counties,” Trosper said. “The tips started coming ever since that was printed in the papers and put on the news. We went from no tips to now we’re getting tips.”

TFC Fuson is the lead investigator into the incident and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police.

Police are asking landowners to be aware of possible marijuana growing operations on their land. They should watch for worn trails that lead to roads, and trails leading to sources of water. Many growers operate at night. State police are warning landowners to watch for people trespassing at night by listening for the sound of machinery such as four-wheelers, tillers, mowers and chainsaws. They should also be aware of lights coming from areas that are not normally lit and vehicles parked in odd places. Trosper said marijuana is typically grown from May to September.

Should you suspect possible illegal activity on your land or find marijuana while hunting or farming, please contact the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London at (606) 878-6622, 1-800-222-5555, www.kentuckystatepolice.org or fill out a tip sheet and mail it to the post. All tips and information can be reported anonymously.