MILWAUKEE- The Racine County Sheriff's Office busts an elaborate marijuana operation in the Town of Yorkville. They found nearly 40 live plants, almost 80 including the clones.
"This is what we refer to as a hydroponic grow," explained Racine County Sheriff Chris Schmaling.
The Sheriff calls the operation a sophisticated grow. Craig Klein is charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place and second degree recklessly endangering safety, among others.
"This is an individual who was allowed by his parents an adult 34 year old allowed to stay in the pole barn behind his parents property," said Sheriff Schmaling.
The criminal complaint says Klein allowed his son to "sleep in the barn on occasion."
"That's what really makes this despicable in my opinion," said Sheriff Schmaling.
The next door neighbor never noticed anything and calls the family good neighbors.
"Oh yah I've lived next to him for 20-30 years," said Alan Wagner, neighbor.
Neighbors were shocked to learn what was growing down their street.
"No, no idea," explained Alicia Sadler, neighbor.
The Sheriff says his office learned about the operation because of an anonymous tip call.
"People are friends here in Racine County. We get a lot of tips and this is a fine example of one tip coming through that proved to be fruitful," explained Schmaling.
The criminal complaint says the suspect denied selling marijuana and claimed it was for medical purposes only. The complaint says law enforcement has information Klein sells to at least five people.
