911 Call Leads To Discovery Of Large Marijuana Growing Operation

WESTVILLE — A rural Westville man was arrested for having a large indoor marijuana growing operation in the basement of his home.

LaPorte County police arrested 56-year-old James K. Pappas after a 911 call led them to his home.
Just after 11 a.m. on August 4, a man called 911 and said he saw two men shoot another man and drag him into a home in the 1800 South block of Otis Road. The caller hung up before giving additional information. Minutes later a second 911 call came in from a man who said he was the victim of a shooting at the same address giving in the first call. He also said he was being held in a room in the basement of the home and needed help. The caller hung up before giving additional information.
Police arrived at the address and were met by Pappas, who denied that a shooting occurred and said he knew nothing of the 911 call. Deputies found Pappas’ behavior suspicious, and he refused them entry into his home to verify that there was no shooting victim. Given the circumstances, deputies entered the home anyway and discovered the growing operation.
No shooting victim or evidence of a shooting was found at the home, and police searched the neighborhood to ensure there was no victim at a nearby home.
After obtaining a search warrant, police seized 190 marijuana plants, ranging in size from several inches to several feet, as well as marijuana in various stages of drying and prepackaged marijuana that appeared to be packaged for sale. Lighting and electrical equipment, air handling equipment, a large generator and computers were also seized.
Due to the size of the operation, investigators from the Drug Enforcement Agency and Indiana State Police were called to assist with the investigation.
“This discovery and subsequent seizure is the fourth substantial and sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation that has been seized within the last year by the County’s Metro Operations Unit and the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Michael Mollenhauer said in a press release. “The estimated street value of the marijuana seized as a result of this investigation is in excess of $190,000 and judging by the scope of this operation, it is believed that a very lucrative, personally owned but illegal business has been disrupted.”
Pappas was charged with possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance, both felonies. He was released on $5,000 bond.