News Release

February 20, 2007
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

ABC Special Agents Discover Multiple Marijuana Plants in Roanoke Residence While Executing a Search Warrant

On Friday, February 16 the last of three subjects charged in connection to a marijuana grow operation reached a plea agreement with the Montgomery County's Commonwealth Attorneys Office. In July, special agents with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's (ABC) Bureau of Law Enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence on Glade Road in Christiansburg in reference to marijuana distribution. During their search, a secret room was located adjacent to one of the basement bedrooms. Agents discovered numerous marijuana plants ranging from three inches to three feet in height. Seventy-eight plants were seized along with multiple smoking devices and growing apparatuses. Agents followed a trail from the back of the residence that led them to a field across from Falling Brach Elementary School. Agents discovered twelve additional marijuana plants approximately three-to-four feet in height.

Felony indictments were obtained on Kristopher J. Clausen, 23, for two counts of marijuana distribution and manufacturing marijuana; Paul M. Hunt, 20, for one count of manufacturing marijuana; and Matthew B. Ferrell, 21, for one count of manufacturing marijuana. Clausen plead guilty to the above indictments. He will serve 11 months with four years and one month suspended, pay a $1,000 ($800 suspended) fine, five years probation and 18 months suspended driver's license. Hunt and Ferrell both agreed to 300 hours of community service and two years of supervised probation.