Linton man faces drug charges

By Andrea McCann, staff writer

A resident of 10th Street NW in Linton was arrested Thursday afternoon for cultivating marijuana at his residence and maintaining a common nuisance.

Aron Shane Irish, 30, was transported to Greene County jail, where bond was set at $1,300. He posted bond and was released later in the evening.

According to a Linton Police Department news release, a Crime Stopper tip led to an investigation of Irish. He was observed cultivating several marijuana plants in the bed of a truck on his property, the release reported.

”We had surveillance on the house for weeks, observing people taking care of marijuana plants,“ said LPD Chief Keith McDonald.

At the conclusion of the investigation, 11 marijuana plants were discovered, along with processed marijuana and paraphernalia.

The chief said other arrests are expected.

Children live at the residence, and according to McDonald, the Department of Child Services will follow up to see what their exposure has been to the marijuana operation.

”It's standard procedure when children are involved,“ he said.

Maintaining a common nuisance is a Class D felony, punishable by six months to three years incarceration and a maximum $10,000 fine. Cultivating marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine.

Patrol Officer Jayson Smith is the investigating officer. Patrol Officers Josh Goodman, Paul Clark and Blaine Gillan, Lt. Det. Troy Jerrell, and Sgt. Det. Duane Collenbaugh assisted with the case.