Two North Carolina residents ended up having their days turned around after a woman called to report her home being broken into and was later arrested along with her husband for drug charges. The woman, an optometrist, called police after she came home on her lunch break and found a back window in her home open. She heard noises in the home and contacted police. When police responded and later searched the home, they allegedly found enough evidence to file drug charges against the couple.
When police searched the area for intruders, they say they came across a marijuana growing operation located in the couple’s basement. They allegedly found dried and processed marijuana, an indoor growing tent and several other items related to the operation. Police also allegedly recovered two guns.
Husband and wife have been charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, manufacture of marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drugs and also possession of drug paraphernalia. The husband also faces additional charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. The woman has since posted a $5,000 secured bond and her husband posted $10,000. Both have been released from jail.
Drug charges of this extent in North Carolina could lead to both of these individuals facing stiff penalties and a lengthy jail term. In view of the fact the wife is apparently also a licensed optometrist, a criminal conviction could result in professional licensing issues in addition to any criminal sentence. Nevertheless, each accused individual is deemed innocent of all charges unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Star News Online, “Breaking and entering leads to discovery of marijuana operation,” Jason Gonzales, June 7, 2012
