Published: May 16, 2008 01:04 am            

ROYALTON: Two men are indicted on federal drug charges

ROYALTON — Two Royalton men are facing federal drug charges for allegedly growing marijuana in a home on Highland Drive.

Stephen Verbocy, 52, and Jesse Baker, 27, were indicted Thursday on charges of conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants; maintaining premises for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing or using a controlled substance; and possession of firearms.

U.S. Attorney Terrance P. Flynn announced Thursday that the defendants are charged with maintaining a facility at 7652 Highland Drive for the purposes of manufacturing and distributing marijuana.

Investigators seized about 219 live marijuana plants, as well as quantities of marijuana, mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine.

Three firearms were also seized from the residence.

The drug charges carry a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2 million, or both. The firearms charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1 million, or both.

The investigation was handled by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and the Niagara County Drug Task Force.

The investigation began in February, when deputies were called to the Highland Drive home after dispatch received a call from a woman who said she had possibly been drugged.

The woman reportedly said she believed one of the men had given her psychedelic mushrooms.

She told deputies she thought she heard her father’s voice coming from the basement and that the heating vents in the living room area were glowing, the report said.

She was transported to Lockport Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

Members of the Niagara County Drug Task Force responded to the scene and obtained a search warrant for the residence.

When they checked the basement, they found numerous marijuana plants and several long guns, the report said.

        

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