Two Royalton men are facing federal drug charges for growing marijuana in a home on Highland Drive.
Stephen Verbocy, 52, and Jesse Baker, 27, were indicted Thursday on charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, manufacturing over 100 marijuana plants, maintaining a premises for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing or using a controlled substance and possession of firearms.
U.S. Attorney Terrance P. Flynn announced Thursday investigators seized about 219 live marijuana plants, as well as quantities of marijuana, mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine, from the home at 7652 Highland Drive. Three firearms were also seized.
The drug charges carry a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2 million, or both. The firearms charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1 million, or both.
The investigation was handled by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and the Niagara County Drug Task Force. It began in February when deputies were called to the Highland Drive home after dispatch received a call from a woman who said she had possibly been drugged.
The woman said she believed one of the men had given her psychedelic mushrooms.
She told deputies she thought she heard her father’s voice coming from the basement and that the heating vents in the living room area were glowing, the report said.
Members of the Niagara County Drug Task Force responded to the scene and obtained a search warrant for the residence.
When they checked the basement, they found numerous marijuana plants and several long guns, the report said.
Local News
ROYALTON: Feds indict two on drug charges
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
