Drug investigation results in seizure of 827 marijuana plants, mutliple arrests

Four people are facing criminal enterprise and conspiracy charges after a multi-agency investigation resulted in the seizure of 827 marijuana plants at five locations in southwest Michigan.

The Southwest Enforcement Drug Team executed search warrants at the following locations on September 11:

  • 25000 Block of 61st, Dowagiac- 295 marijuana plants were located
  • 17000 Block of Dewey Lake St., Decatur- 86 marijuana plants were located
  • 7000 Block of Dean Hill Rd, Berrien Spring-177 marijuana plants were located
  • 1200 Block of Pipestone, Benton Harbor-93 marijuana plants were located
  • 800 Block of E 14 Mile Rd., Newago-176 marijuana plants were located

The following people were arrested on preliminary charges:

  • Joseph Lorello, 54, is facing charges of criminal enterprises- (a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000) and conspiracy to commit controlled substance-delivery/manufacture 45 kg or more of marijuana/synthetic equivalent; or 200 or more plants (a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $10,010,000.)
  • Vincent Lorello, 26, is facing charges of criminal enterprises- (a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000) and conspiracy to commit controlled substance-delivery/manufacture 45 kg or more of marijuana/synthetic equivalent; or 200 or more plants (a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $10,010,000.)
  • Jorie Watkins, 18, is facing charges of criminal enterprises- (a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000) and conspiracy to commit controlled substance-delivery/manufacture 45 kg or more of marijuana/synthetic equivalent; or 200 or more plants (a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $10,010,000.)
  • Robert Casper, 53, is facing charges of criminal enterprises- (a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000) and conspiracy to commit controlled substance-delivery/manufacture 45 kg or more of marijuana/synthetic equivalent; or 200 or more plants (a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $10,010,000.)

All defendants will be arraigned Friday at 3:30 p.m.

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