Deputies seize 26 marijuana plants

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies seized 26 marijuana plants outside a residence in the Siler community Monday morning while investigating a tip about marijuana being grown there.

About 10:30 a.m., Sgt. Dave Lennon and Sgt. Jeff Anderson went to a Highway 92E residence to investigate the complaint.

As Lennon approached the residence, he spotted 15 cups containing what appeared to be small marijuana plants inside, according to a sheriff’s department release.

Lennon and Anderson then went to the door of the residence, and made contact with Jesse Hembree, 29.

“After being advised that he was going to be placed under arrest, Hembree shut the door,” according to the release.

Lennon and Anderson continued to talk to Hembree from outside.

After he was detained, a search around the lawn revealed eight more plants believed to be marijuana that were planted in the ground, and three more that were in pots, according to the release.

Lennon charged Hembree with resisting arrest and cultivating marijuana five plants or more, and lodged him in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Hembree was released from jail about 5:08 p.m. Monday on a $7,500 surety or signature bond, according to the detention center’s website.