Deputies Seize Marijuana worth $200K, Arrests Made

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: (360)427-9670 Ext 313 or (360)275-4467 Ext 313
Authority:  B. DEAN BYRD, CHIEF DEPUTY

Shelton, Wa - Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sheriff's Deputies from the Mason County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Group arrested two Shelton residents yesterday for Manufacturing and Possessing of Marijuana yesterday pursuant to a search warrant served on their residence at 860 East Jensen Road, Shelton.

Arrested and booked into the Mason County Jail were John Gordon Reed, 48, Shelton, and Karen Leann Mower, 44, Shelton.  Both were booked on charges of Possession of Marijuana with intent to deliver and Manufacturing Marijuana.

The arrests are the result of a week long investigation stemming from a complaint from a Shelton man about the couple's drug activity.  The ensuing investigation provided enough information for officers to obtain a search warrant.

During the search of the residence deputies found thirty eight budding marijuana plants that deputies estimated would yield one pound of product per plant, thirty six juvenile marijuana plants, approximately 2.2 pounds of processed bagged marijuana, hashish.  Deputies also seized potting soil, several high density discharge (1000) watt lamps, ballasts, watering systems, air purifiers and other items related to manufacturing and selling marijuana.  Officers were also able to seize over $3,000 in cash.

When officers contacted Reed and Mower, they told officers they both had medical authorizations to possess marijuana.  Officers found an authorization for Reed only during the course of their search.  The authorization was for a "60 day supply not to exceed three ounces."

The amount of product found by deputies clearly exceeded the amount the couple was authorized to possess.  Deputies placed a value of the seized marijuana at $200,000 if sold on the street.

As of this release both suspects remain in custody on $5,000 bail, each.