Scott City man accused of having a pot-growing operation

Police found 317 grams of marijuana in Mason jars in the kitchen at a Scott City residence, along with a marijuana-growing system in two bedrooms, according to deputies.

Scott County Sheriff deputies on Friday arrested Michael J. Baumgart, 47, of Scott City. Scott County prosecuting attorney’s office charged Baumgart with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

Baumgart’s bond was set at $5,000 cash only.

Baumgart on Friday gave permission for deputies to search his residence in the 100 block of Cathy Drive, just outside Scott City.

Along with the Mason jars full of marijuana, there was a grinder, smoking paraphernalia and a Mason jar containing plant food in the kitchen, according to a news release from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

In another bedroom, Baumgart stored a box with a large grinder, electric timers, rubber hoses, fluorescent lights and other equipment, according to the release.

The home’s growing system included seeds, 25 small plants, an irrigation system made with PVC pipe, a water basin and a water pump, two large fluorescent lights and a homemade ventilation system built with a filter and dryer hoses, the release stated.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

100 block of Cathy Drive, Scott City, MO