Marijuana Cultivation--9-17-12 Press Release

On Monday, September 17, 2012, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at the home of Vaughn and Janet Cummings. In July deputies received information that the Cummings were growing marijuana behind their East Machias home, which is located on the Palmer Landing Road. On Friday, September 14, 2012, officers located and surveilled the grow. On Monday, September 17, 2012, a search warrant was issued to search the Cummings residence and surrounding area according to Sheriff Donnie Smith. Deputies located 58 marijuana plants and approximately 1.4 pounds of processed marijuana. In addition to the seized marijuana, deputies seized 18 firearms. Vaughn Cummings, 52, was arrested and charged with Marijuana Cultivation. Janet Cummings, 51, was summonsed for Marijuana Cultivation. They have a November 5, 2012 court date. In a separate search near the property, deputies searched the home of Leonard Wood Jr., 34, of East Machias. Located near Wood's residence was 9 more marijuana plants. Leonard Wood was arrested and charged with Marijuana Cultivation. Additionally, Wood was charged with Falsifying Physical Evidence for cutting and attempting to conceal the marijuana as deputies arrived to execute the search warrant. He has a November 5, 2012 court date in Machias. Wood was also found to be in violation of marine fisheries laws. Marine Patrol responded and issued summonses for two violations. Washington County deputies were assisted at the scene by Maine Forest Rangers, the Maine Warden Service and the Maine Marine Patrol. Sheriff Donnie Smith

RELEASE 09/07/2012

During the early morning hours of September 5, 2012, The Washington County Sheriff’s Office along with the Maine State Police, Baileyville Police Department, Indian Township Police Department, and the US Border Patrol, officers arrested MICHAEL MACKENZIE, 32 years old of Alexander on an outstanding warrant for Burglary and Theft. The warrant is a result of a joint investigation with the Calais Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Baileyville Police Department, and the Maine State Police. At this point, Mr. MacKenzie is cooperating with local authorities in the investigation. The law enforcement officials would like thank their communities for the effort that has been put forth in locating Mr. MacKenzie. The investigations are ongoing and the agencies expect more arrests to come in the near future. If you have any information please contact your local law enforcement agency Sheriff Donnie Smith