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Sheriff’s office finds 100 pot plants in home of 62-year-old

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By Valerie Lough, Staff Writer 5:31 PM Tuesday, September 15, 2009

CATAWBA — A 62-year-old man was arrested on drug charges after Sheriff’s Office investigators found 100 marijuana plants growing at his residence Tuesday morning, Sept. 15.

Jack Dietsch, of 18 S. Persimmon Street, Catawba, was arrested on charges of cultivating marijuana, drug abuse, drug paraphernalia and possession of criminal tools, said Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly.

Eleven of the plants found growing outside the home were “near harvest,” and the rest were starter plants, he said.

Investigators received a complaint about plants at the residence and, with Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation officials, used a helicopter to view the home from above, said Kelly.

“The helicopter found it really quickly,” he said.

Officials entered the home and found additional plants growing in two rooms on the second floor and more in the garage, he said.

While officials searched the residence, Dietsch returned home and officials took him into custody, said Kelly.

Neighbor Laura Wheeler said she was “shocked” by the arrest.

“Jack’s a nice guy, he’d do anything for anybody,” said Wheeler. “He doesn’t bother anybody.”

Kelly estimated the potential street value of the plants at $100,000.

Dietsch is expected to be booked into the Clark County Jail Tuesday evening, said Kelly.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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