News
Amesville Man Arrested After Drug Search
< < Back to amesville-man-arrested-after-drug-searchAn Amesville man is in custody on alleged parole violations after an investigation by the Athens Major Crimes Unit allegedly discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation and stolen firearms at his home.
Ernest S. Burchfield, 61, of 16676 State Route 550, was interviewed by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority on March 11, and they “noted what they believed to be evidence of illegal drug activity,” causing them to contact the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release by the crimes unit.
A search warrant was issued and the major crimes unit allegedly found 47 marijuana plants, six handguns, five rifles, one shotgun and approximately 1,300 rounds of various ammunition, the release stated. Also allegedly found were equipment for growing and selling marijuana such as lights and scales, $751 in cash and suspected prescription medication pills.
Investigators entered the firearms into a statewide database for stolen property and two handguns were listed as stolen from Youngstown and Bellefontaine.
“Investigation into the date and circumstances of those gun thefts is ongoing,” the release stated.
The marijuana plants were confirmed by a “court-recognized expert,” the release stated. The suspected prescription pills will be sent to a state laboratory for identification.
Burchfield is currently on probation for felony possession of marijuana in an unrelated case. He was transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
A female resident of the Amesville home arrived while the crimes unit was investigating and was interviewed. She was not charged or arrested.
The investigation is ongoing, but the case will be referred to the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office for “possible indictment of both residents for felony charges related to illegal drugs, firearms and possession of stolen property,” the release stated.