NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 12, 2008
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420
FIRE UNVEILS EXISTENCE
OF INDOOR MARIJUANA GROW OPERATION
Two
Shalimar area residents face drug charges after a fire in the storage shed
behind their home revealed an indoor marijuana grow on the upper story. The
Ocean-City/Wright Fire Department responded to 121 Poquito Road in Shalimar
Monday, August 12th in reference to a structure fire. A two-story
shed was on fire in the back yard and 44-year old Jon Dewitt King was on the
roof trying to extinguish it with a garden hose. Firefighters removed King and
put out the blaze. However they also discovered an indoor grow facility and
contacted the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
A search of the
shed resulted in the recovery of nearly 18 pounds of marijuana from a freezer
and approximately fifteen marijuana plants. Marijuana was also found in the
home’s master bedroom.
Dewitt is charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession of over
twenty grams. 34-year old Maggie Friedlander of the same address is charged with
possession of marijuana over twenty grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Investigators say the
shed was equipped with equipment and fertilizers to facilitate the growing of
marijuana.