Macy - This afternoon, Indiana State Police Senior Trooper Joe Swisher responded to 1899 East County Road 1100 North, Macy, IN, after being advised that a 911 call originating from that address was ended abruptly, without anyone speaking to the emergency dispatcher. Upon his arrival, Swisher found the residents Mark Friedersdorf, 44, and his wife, Becky Friedersdorf, 47 at the home. Becky purportedly told Senior Trooper Swisher that she placed a 911 call after her husband allegedly intentionally rammed his head into a wall inside the home. She said they were arguing at the time. Her husband allegedly hung up the telephone before she was able to speak with dispatchers. As Swisher was trying to verify the information provided by the Friedersdorfs, he noticed a strong smell of marijuana emitting from the home.
Further investigation by Swisher allegedly revealed 10 marijuana plants, hanging to dry, in a bedroom closet. Swisher then obtained a search warrant from Miami Superior Court I. When officers executed the warrant, they allegedly found an active marijuana grow operation in the basement of the residence. Troopers allegedly seized an additional 72 marijuana plants, hydroponic growing equipment, 12 long guns, three handguns, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Mark and Becky Friedersdorf were incarcerated in the Miami County Jail. They face class D felony charges for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana over 30 grams, and maintaining a common nuisance. They also face a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia. Mark Friedersdorf also faces an additional misdemeanor charge for interfering with the reporting of a crime.
Senior Trooper Swisher was assisted in the investigation by ISP First Sergeant Bob Land, Sergeant Rick Layman, Trooper T.J. Zeiser, Trooper Josh Maller, and Miami County Prosecutor Eric Huneryager.
Citizens are asked to report suspected illegal drug activity by calling the anonymous Indiana State Police Marijuana Tip Line at 1-888-873-1694.
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