Published: November 03, 2009 09:44 am      

Forgot the pot

Whitley deputies allegedly find 12 marijuana plants at residence

By Adam S. Sulfridge / Staff Writer

Whitley County deputies allegedly found 12 marijuana plants growing at a residence when they responded to a domestic disturbance complaint, and according to police, the man claims he “forgot about the plants.”

Around 11 p.m., Deputy Brett Reeves responded to 12900 Hwy. 92E outside of Williamsburg to find 38-year-old Joseph Lee Mowery standing behind a van. According to his arrest citation, Mowery walked from behind the van with his hands in the air, reportedly telling police that he had previously shot at a vehicle which pulled into his driveway.

Deputy Reeves wrote that Mowery “stated he smoked marijuana [approximately] 30 minutes before” police arrived. In his pockets Reeves stated he found a box of .22 caliber ammunition, and after receiving consent to search Mowery’s vehicle, police uncovered a .22 caliber rifle with a loaded round in the chamber.

Reeves also wrote, “Officers…located a five-gallon white bucket with 12 small marijuana plants growing in it.” When confronted with the plants, Mowery allegedly told officers that he forgot about the plants.

Mowery was arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana, and public intoxication.