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Eagan man charged for growing pot in home
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Thursday, 12 November 2009
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Authorities allegedly made discovery after grow lamp started fire in suspect’s townhome
by Erin Johnson
Thisweek Newspapers
He allegedly told police he was growing his own marijuana to save money, but charges against Ryan James Parranto of Eagan could end up costing him big.
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has charged Ryan James Parranto, 31, with possession of a controlled substance and manufacturing of marijuana, both felonies. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a petty misdemeanor.
According to the criminal complaint, the Eagan Fire Department responded to a fire April 26 at Parranto’s townhome. Firefighters extinguished the flames before they spread to the other units. They then contacted police to report they had allegedly found marijuana growing in the bedroom where the fire appeared to have started.
They also told officers they found a grow lamp and four small cups of dirt in a closet, and that while checking the attic they found two suspected marijuana plants hanging upside down drying.
The fire marshal told police that a power inverter for a grow lamp likely overheated in the socket, causing the fire.
Investigating officers allegedly found a joint manufacturing setup in the unit’s dining area, along with scissors and an ashtray that contained a green leafy substance, a razor blade and some rolling papers. They also found several grocery bags that contained what appeared to be marijuana stems, buds, and leaves.
Parranto told officers that the marijuana was for personal use. He said he had been having financial issues since moving in to his townhome, and that he began growing the pot himself to cut expenses.
A test of the green leafy substance found in the unit allegedly tested positive for marijuana in an amount that totaled 107.73 grams, according to the complaint.
If convicted, Parranto faces up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $3,000 to $10,000 for each felony count, and a $300 fine for the petty misdemeanor charge.
Erin Johnson is at
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 December 2009 )
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