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