Braxton Citizens' News, Government

Deputy finds marijuana plants near Kanawha Run

What began as a routine trespassing complaint has led to the arrest of a Sutton man on charges of possession with the intent to deliver marijuana.

Braxton County Deputy Sheriff L. G. Cochran received a complaint on Thursday, September 26 of someone trespassing in the Kanawha Run area. When the officer arrived to investigate, he was informed by the property owner that an unknown female had left his property, went through an adjoining parcel and into the woods.

While attempting to locate the individual, Deputy Cochran discovered multiple marijuana plants growing in flowerpots in the wooded area. The officer’s investigation led him to a residence across the road from the discovery where he questioned the homeowner identified as Julius D. Wine, 37, of 922 Kanawha Run Road. During questioning, Wine told the officer that he had access to the property where the plants were found and that he was the one growing the illegal substance. He told Deputy Cochran that he was only doing it to pay bills and purchase Christmas gifts for his child.

Wine was arrested and charged with the felony offense of possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver. He was arraigned before Braxton County Magistrate Beth Smith where is bond was set at $10,000. Wine was taken to the Central Regional Jail where he remains at press-time in lieu of that bond.