Sheriff's department: Couple from Benton, Mo., charged with growing marijuana

BENTON, Mo. -- A Benton couple are facing charges of growing marijuana after their arrest by the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

According to a sheriff's department news release, William Russell, 57, and Karla Russell, 55, both of rural Benton, were arrested and charged with two counts of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff's department received a search warrant for the Russells' property after getting information that marijuana was being grown there. Deputies searched the property Monday afternoon and seized 21 plants, according to the news release. Officers also reportedly found vacuum-packed marijuana inside the home, paraphernalia, potting soil, watering devices and marijuana seeds.

William Russell

Bond was set at $50,000 for each person.