A domestic disturbance call Friday night led Akron police to a basement turned into a marijuana-growing center and more than $50,000 worth of product, a police department spokesman said Saturday.
Clinton Lockhart, 27, and Dominique Williams, 24, both of the 600 block of Treeside Avenue, have been charged with drug trafficking, illegal manufacturing of drugs, possession of criminal tools and possession of marijuana. Both were taken to the Summit County Jail on Friday night.
According to department spokesman Lt. Rick Edwards, police went to the Treeside Avenue home following a domestic-complaint call. There was a strong odor from raw marijuana coming from the house. After being admitted by Williams, they also saw marijuana debris on the floor of the living room, Edwards said. Lockhart also appeared to be very nervous, he said.
In the basement of the home, the officers found an elaborate setup for growing marijuana, complete with lights, chemicals and other gear, as well as more than 180 plants at different stages of growth. Edwards said police have busted larger operations, but the one on Treeside Avenue was impressive because of the detail that had gone into it.
Police also found 30 one-gallon jars full of processed marijuana and a shoebox with about $30,000 in cash, Edwards said.
Each of the full jars had a street value of about $1,500, depending on the quality of the pot. The total value of the plants was less clear because of their varied growth.
Police arrested Lockhart and Williams and secured the house, with officers present, Friday night. On Saturday, a team began clearing the house and seized a BMW automobile, a pickup truck and a dog that had been in a kennel behind the house. The dog, which appeared to be a mixed breed, was taken to the Summit County Animal Control Shelter.
