Lawrence County – On May 10th, 2012, a concerned citizen with an anonymous tip contacted ISP Sergeant Greg Day, while he was at home and off duty, in regards to suspicious activity in the vicinity of Dillman Road, just south of Silverville-Williams Road in Lawrence County.  The citizen reported that one of the persons seen was in possession of what was believed to be marijuana plants.  The reporting citizen further added the person did not have permission to be on the property.

Sergeant Day investigated the suspicious activity and recovered evidence indicating there was marijuana growing in the area.  A subsequent search of the rural area by Sergeant Day and Trooper Justin Butler resulted in finding a freshly planted plot of land, allegedly growing marijuana.

In total, there were 125 small marijuana plants discovered in the area.  These plants had recently been planted and were approximately six inches tall.  The dry weight of the marijuana plants resulted in an amount of less than 30 grams, making the offense an “A” Misdemeanor.  Had the plants been allowed to mature and discovered later in the year, they would have generated between 100 and 200 pounds of marijuana with a street value between $150,000 and $250,000.

A person of interest was developed based on the concerned citizen getting a license plate number from the suspicious truck as well as a very detailed suspect description.  The investigation led to probable cause being established and Sergeant Day submitting a warrant request for that person, identified as Charles Watts, 58 of Indianapolis.

On today’s date, Watts, turned himself in to Sgt. Day and Trooper Michael Robbins at the Lawrence County Jail.  Watts was charged with “Cultivating/Possessing Marijuana, Less than 30 Grams”, an “A” Misdemeanor.

The Indiana State Police encourage all citizens to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Your tip will remain anonymous.

All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.