Man arrested for growing marijuana

BY MICHAEL J. RUDOLF

Wyoming County Press Examiner

An Eaton Township man was arrested for growing marijuana plants in his home.

James Michael Simmers, 39, of Muddy Acres, Tunkhannock, was arraigned Monday, Feb. 1, on charges of manufacture with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The arrest stems from an incident at his home on June 5, 2009.

According to the criminal complaint, a confidential informant told police that Simmers was growing marijuana in an upstairs bedroom of his home.

Wyoming County Children and Youth Services caseworkers also contacted police, stating they had concerns about the safety of Simmers' son because of the alleged drug activity. They said they saw numerous marijuana plants in the house during a previous visit.

When police went to the home, Simmers and two acquaintances were present. Simmers consented to a search of the home.

At the time, the other two people told police that Simmers was growing marijuana. They noted that after the caseworkers left, Simmers rushed to clear out the marijuana plants.

"After Children and Youth left he went crazy," one of the witnesses said, according to the report. "He took a bunch of pot plants out of upstairs he ran out to the ravine with a bag full of pot plants."

During the search, police discovered the growing equipment. They also located about 18 potted marijuana plants in a garbage bag in a ravine behind his house.

When Simmers was later questioned by police, he said the marijuana was all for his personal use, and he never sold any of it.

Simmers was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Carl Smith, who set bail at $15,000.