| Photo: Howard County Police |
| Police said these marijuana plants were discovered in an Ellicott City, Maryland home after a fatal accident in which a car crashed into the home. |
Police in Maryland found an indoor marijuana farm while investigating a car crash in which a young driver plowed is vehicle into a man’s home.
Richard Marriott, 44, of Ellicott City, Maryland, was arrested Wednesday morning after cops found a cannabis growing operation in his home, report Yeganeh June Torbati and Larry Carson at The Baltimore Sun. Nearly 20 large pot plants, a hydroponic system, grow lights and other smaller plants were found, police claimed.
Cops and firefighters were investigating the scene after a 20-year-old driver, Bryan Bolster, crashed his BMW into Marriott’s home about 11 p.m. on December 10, causing part of the house to burst into flames. Witnesses told police that the car was being driven at a high rate of speed.
Bolster was killed in the crash. Marriott and one other person ran out of the house after the crash and were uninjured.
While searching the home, fire investigators found the plants and equipment inside. Police said they seized the marijuana and equipment and launched an investigation, which resulted in Marriott’s arrest on Wednesday.
Marriott was charged with “drug manufacturing,” possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of “drug paraphernalia” and possession of “drug production equipment.”
It’s not unusual for prosecutors to pile on the charges like this on the front end, then later remove bullshit charges (which at least three of these are) to give the appearance of “cutting a deal.”
Leonard H. Shapiro, Marriott’s lawyer, said his client turned himself in and “has been cooperative. I think the evidence is going to show he’s not distributing. It was for personal use,” Shapiro said.
Marriott was released from the Howard County Detention Center on Wednesday after posting a $15,000 bond.