Newark (Fairfield Crest) – On June 20, 2017 at 2:00 PM, Newark Police officers (NPD) initially responding to a welfare check of a resident, made a major discovery. Arriving officers sadly found that the 61-year-old woman, who lived in the home, had passed. She had reportedly been in poor health, according to neighbors.
As officers investigated the death in the unit block of Woodhill Court, they discovered what they are calling a significant marijuana “grow” operation, according to NPD Spokesman Chris Jones.
Jones said the manufacturing and cultivating of the marijuana plants was being done throughout the basement of the residence. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence and a thorough search was conducted.
In the execution of the search warrant, officers located and seized over 130 marijuana plants, with an approximate combined weight of 85 pounds, according to Jones. Additionally, processed and packaged marijuana was also located, added Jones.
There was no indication that the resident knew anything about the marijuana grow, in a statement release by police. The woman was reportedly renting out the basement, according to neighbors.
Jones said an arrest warrant was obtained for Jonathan Bailey, 45, of Newark, for multiple drug related charges. Bailey was not present at the residence at the time of the death or the initial investigation by NPD officers, said Jones. Bailey turned himself in at NPD on June 23, 2017. The manner and cause of death has not yet been determined by the Medical Examiner, however, foul play is not suspected.
It’s not clear if Bailey was renting the basement or if he is related to the home owner.
Bailey was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in Tier 5 Quantity, Conspiracy 2nd Degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Marijuana Related, according to Jones
Image Credits: Newark Police