Clermont County, Ohio- Chief Deputy Rick W. Combs reported this morning, a six-month investigation involving James McKinney Jr., Abigail Schwartz McKinney, and James McKinney Sr. yielded one of the largest indoor growing operations in Clermont County within fifteen years.
Law enforcement suspected them of having two indoor marijuana growing operations, one located at 7035 Britton Avenue in Cincinnati, and the other at 641 Parkland Drive in Union Township, Clermont County. He praised the investigators involved with a quality operation and the solid team work of the Cincinnati Police - Central Vice Control Section, Ohio BC&I, Dart (Drug Abuse Reduction Task Force) and the Clermont County Narcotics Unit.
Combs said, “On May 25, 2010, during a traffic stop, Newtown Police noted marijuana leaves on James McKinney Jr.’s shirt and a saw a large bag of marijuana sitting in the passenger seat. The Newtown officer, aware that McKinney was the subject of an intense investigation contacted agents.” Clermont County Narcotics Agents obtained a search warrant for the Union Township address- 641 Parkland Drive, the residence of Abigail Schwartz McKinney and James McKinney Jr., and discovered a very sophisticated marijuana growing operation. The agents recovered approximately five hundred plants that were in various stages of growth, thousands of dollars worth of very sophisticated equipment used in the operation, $11,000.00 in currency and a handgun.
Abigail Schwartz McKinney was arrested at the scene and transported to the Clermont County jail on charges of Cultivating Marijuana, a third degree felony. The children of Abigail Schwartz McKinney, who were in the home at the time of the warrant were placed with a family member.
Chief Combs said, “No further specific information regarding the charges will be released by the Sheriff’s Office yet very likely additional individuals and charges will be presented to a Clermont County Grand Jury in June.
Any specific questions regarding charges should be directed to Daniel “Woody” Breyer of the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office (513)732-7313.”
Cincinnati Vice & DART conducted a search at 7035 Britton Ave., which concluded in additional charges. Questions regarding this operation and search should be directed to Cincinnati’s Central Vice Control Section at 352-2555.