Leader Staff
A Birnamwood man is facing felony drug charges after authorities allegedly found a marijuana growing operation in his home Friday.
Curtis J. Jensen, 29, was charged Monday with manufacture and delivery of marijuana, maintaining a drug trafficking place and second or subsequent possession of marijuana.
Each of the charges carries a maximum possible penalty of 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department received a tip about the operation on Thursday and executed a search warrant the next day, according to the criminal complaint.
The complaint states authorities discovered a room that has been constructed beneath the stairs leading to the basement and hidden by a piece of drywall.
Authorities seized 37 marijuana plants, according to the criminal complaint, along with grow lights, potting soil, fertilizer, a vent and tubing used for an exhaust, and various drug paraphernalia.
Jensen posted a $500 cash bond and is due back in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing Tuesday.