Man charged with growing hallucinogenic mushrooms

A Cape Girardeau man is in jail on $100,000 bond on charges he was running a hallucinogenic mushroom-growing operation near an elementary school on Themis Street.

Christopher J. Campbell, 35, faces charges of attempt to produce a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to a Cape Girardeau County arrest warrant, Campbell is accused of keeping hallucinogenic mushroom towers and items to grow mushrooms in a pair of plastic tubs at his home at 1517 Themis St., less than 2,000 feet from Franklin Elementary School; possessing more than five grams of marijuana with intent to distribute it; and possessing a Springfield 1898 rifle, which he was not allowed to have after a 2002 DWI conviction.

Online court records show Campbell pleaded guilty in 2002 to driving while intoxicated as a persistent offender and to third-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, which he successfully completed in 2007.

Pertinent address:

1517 Themis St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.