News (Media Awareness Project) - US WI: Discovery Of 750 Pot Plants Results In Charges Against |
| Title: | US WI: Discovery Of 750 Pot Plants Results In Charges Against |
| Published On: | 2001-05-29 |
| Source: | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-25 18:26:29 |
DISCOVERY OF 750 POT PLANTS RESULTS IN CHARGES AGAINST THREE
Three men have been charged with manufacturing a controlled substance after
Milwaukee police concluded an investigation that uncovered more than 750
marijuana plants worth up to $5 million in a south side warehouse.
The men, Scott Repinski, 39, of Franklin, Craig Verden, 49, of Milwaukee
and Dennis Falck, 54, of Milwaukee, are accused of growing the plants in an
elaborate hydroponic pot patch in the warehouse.
About two weeks ago, police went to the warehouse, 2744 S. 9th Place, to
investigate a reported burglary. Once inside, detectives saw rooms full of
sophisticated equipment, a criminal complaint filed Friday says.
According to the complaint, court records and police reports:
The warehouse had been subdivided into several smaller storage areas.
Police were searching them when they happened upon five marijuana growing
rooms in a 6,500-square-foot section.
After finding several hundred marijuana plants in various stages of growth,
police obtained a search warrant, then returned to the warehouse.
Police estimated that while the marijuana they seized had a wholesale value
of $1.25 million to $2 million, it could yield up to $5 million if sold on
the street.
According to the complaint, Repinski, of the 9700 block of S. 112th St.,
told investigators that he and Verden, of the 2500 block of S. Logan Ave.,
discussed growing marijuana as a cure for their money problems.
Repinski said that Verden later brought Falck, of the 7400 block of N.
Mohawk Road, into the fold, making it his job to obtain a building and "do
the electrical work," while Verden and Falck set up the operation, the
complaint says.
Between 1999, when the trio started the operation, and May 11 of this year,
when it was discovered, the complaint says, they grossed about $350,000.
According to the complaint, Verden told investigators that on May 11, he
and Falck drove past the warehouse, saw police there, and called Repinski
to meet them at the lakefront, where they all agreed that "their lives were
over."
Three men have been charged with manufacturing a controlled substance after
Milwaukee police concluded an investigation that uncovered more than 750
marijuana plants worth up to $5 million in a south side warehouse.
The men, Scott Repinski, 39, of Franklin, Craig Verden, 49, of Milwaukee
and Dennis Falck, 54, of Milwaukee, are accused of growing the plants in an
elaborate hydroponic pot patch in the warehouse.
About two weeks ago, police went to the warehouse, 2744 S. 9th Place, to
investigate a reported burglary. Once inside, detectives saw rooms full of
sophisticated equipment, a criminal complaint filed Friday says.
According to the complaint, court records and police reports:
The warehouse had been subdivided into several smaller storage areas.
Police were searching them when they happened upon five marijuana growing
rooms in a 6,500-square-foot section.
After finding several hundred marijuana plants in various stages of growth,
police obtained a search warrant, then returned to the warehouse.
Police estimated that while the marijuana they seized had a wholesale value
of $1.25 million to $2 million, it could yield up to $5 million if sold on
the street.
According to the complaint, Repinski, of the 9700 block of S. 112th St.,
told investigators that he and Verden, of the 2500 block of S. Logan Ave.,
discussed growing marijuana as a cure for their money problems.
Repinski said that Verden later brought Falck, of the 7400 block of N.
Mohawk Road, into the fold, making it his job to obtain a building and "do
the electrical work," while Verden and Falck set up the operation, the
complaint says.
Between 1999, when the trio started the operation, and May 11 of this year,
when it was discovered, the complaint says, they grossed about $350,000.
According to the complaint, Verden told investigators that on May 11, he
and Falck drove past the warehouse, saw police there, and called Repinski
to meet them at the lakefront, where they all agreed that "their lives were
over."
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