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Marijuana Growing Operation Yields Arrest in New Hanover

Written by Kelly Chandler, Staff Writer
2013-05-01

A 46-year-old man is scheduled to appear in court next month after being charged with multiple drug offenses by New Hanover Police who found what they described as a marijuana growing operation at his home.

Police arrested Stanley Brooks, 46, of the 2300 block of Hoffmansville Road, New Hanover, on charges of manufacture/possession with the intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and causing or risking a catastrophe.

In an affidavit of probable cause filed by Cpl. Robert Jones, police said they began an investigation into Brooks back in Feb. 2009 after learning he was allegedly growing marijuana in a barn next to his home. They also had information he was hiding large amounts of marijuana in the home, which contained secret rooms.

Police first observed a pipe expelling what appeared to be steam, coming from the barn on the property, as well as open windows in an apparent attempt to ventilate the structure and cultivation materials back on Feb. 9.

After gaining a search warrant, police learned from MetEd the electricity usage for the barn was unusually high. Authorities proceeded to use a thermal imaging device, known as a forward looking infrared (FLIR), to scan the structure for signs of marijuana cultivation, including high-intensity grow lights.

In coordination with authorities from Horsham Police Department, New Hanover police said the barn-like structure exhibited a very high amount of heat and energy, leading them to believe marijuana was being grown inside.

On Feb. 27, police obtained a search warrant of the property, which is listed in the name of Tiffany Rusin. According to court documents, they found several rooms located behind false walls inside the house. Inside those rooms, police said they located marijuana plants in multiple stages of growth, along with chemicals, soil and equipment commonly used in the cultivation and processing of marijuana.

On the property they found 103 live marijuana plants, 23 dried marijuana plants, along with high-intensity lights, timers and other supplies. Police said several items of mail confirmed that both Tiffany Rusin and Stanley Brooks were the occupants of the home.

Brooks was arrested April 16, 2013 and was arraigned by Judge Maurice Saylor of Boyertown District Court. Saylor set bail at $50,000 unsecured. Brooks, who remains free on bail, is scheduled to appear in court June 4 at 2 p.m. in Boyertown.

He is being defended by attorney Robert Joseph Reilley of King of Prussia.

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