Police say child, 5, helped man in pot-growing operation
Arizona authorities investigating a pot-growing operation in Holbrook said they found a 5-year-old child assisting in the cultivation.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Apprehension Team executed a search warrant on Dec. 18 at a home in White Mountain Lakes in Navajo County. They said they found drug paraphernalia, loose marijuana, drying marijuana and pot stored inside of mason jars.
The suspect was identified as Randy Allen, 29, of Holbrook. As the search continued, detectives said they found photographs of a child on Allen's computer assisting in the cultivation process.
Allen was not home at the time. With help from the Gila County Sheriff's Office, deputies managed to find Allen in his vehicle. He was arrested for several criminal charges they identified at the location of the traffic stop. The Navajo County Attorney's office obtained an eight-count Grand Jury indictment on Allen. He faces the following charges:
- Possession of marijuana for sale
- Production of marijuana
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Involving a minor in a drug offense
- Possession of equipment for chemicals for narcotic drug manufacturing purposes
- Manufacture of a narcotic drug
- Possession of a narcotic drug for sale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
The Department of Child Security was able to identify the 5 year old. This case is on-going with possibly more criminal charges pending.
The Navajo County Sheriff's Office says people with any additional information can contact WETIP at 800-78CRIME or the sheriff's office at 928-532-6060 or 928-524-4050. Callers can request to remain anonymous.
