Amherst man accused in pot-growing operation
AMHERST - A 64-year-old Amherst man faces charges after police say he converted two rooms in his basement into a marijuana-growing operation.
Lonn Gunderson was charged Monday in Portage County Circuit Court after police searched his home Feb. 9 and uncovered 57 marijuana plants in his basement, along with equipment that included grow lamps, fans, electrical timers, air filters and duct work, according to a criminal complaint.
Gunderson admitted during an interview with police that he grew marijuana and set up the equipment he used for his operation in his basement, the complaint said. Gunderson told police he removed part of his basement floor for his operation and admitted to growing marijuana for the majority of his life.
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Police found marijuana in baggies in other parts of the home, along with a watering system, fertilizer, a digital scale, potting soil and records showing how many plants had been grown and harvested, the complaint said.
Police seized more than $14,000 from Gunderson’s home, including nearly $13,000 found in three containers located in the pantry, the complaint said. The marijuana found at the home weighed nearly 6 pounds, the complaint said.
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Gunderson is charged with manufacturing or delivering marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a drug trafficking place and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $5,000 signature bond Monday and is scheduled to appear in court June 6 for a preliminary hearing.
Chris Mueller: 715-345-2251 or christopher.mueller@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter@AtChrisMueller.