WILMONT -- A Wilmont man was arrested Sunday for sale and possession of a controlled substance after a search warrant revealed marijuana plants growing in his basement.
John David Bertrand, 31, is charged in Nobles County District Court with fifth-degree sale and attempted sale of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana.
According to the criminal complaint, a witness contacted law enforcement after seeing what was believed to be marijuana plants in the residence.
A search warrant was executed, and deputies from the Nobles County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the K-9 unit, located two marijuana plants, each about three feet tall, in a cabinet in the basement.
The cabinet was set up to grow marijuana and equipped with heat lamps, a water filtration system and plant chemicals. Jugs of liquid fertilizer, grow lights, potting containers, soil conditioner, perlite and a pH tester were also found, along with marijuana leaves drying on a table nearby.
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The canine also tried to indicate an area out of his reach in a bedroom in the residence, where authorities located paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana -- less than 42.5 grams. A .22 rifle and a shotgun were also found.
If convicted, Bertrand faces a maximum combined penalty of 7½ years imprisonment and/or $15,600 in fines.
