News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office
Investigators probe 'up in smoke' contents following residential fire
Posted: April 9, 2009 5:33 p.m.
Photos:
On Wednesday evening (April 8, 2009) at 7:25 p.m., Clackamas County Fire District #1 responded to a reported residential fire at 6016 SE Jennings in Milwaukie.
At 7:50 p.m., Clackamas Fire personnel on-scene asked Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Patrol deputies to also respond to the residence -- following the discovery of what appeared to be an established and active marijuana grow operation in the home's basement.
Deputies responded, contacted the homeowner at the scene and arrested him. The homeowner is identified as Donald Charles Landers, Sr., age 72. He was transported to and lodged in Clackamas County Jail on the charge of Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana.
Members of the Clackamas County Inter-agency Task Force (CCITF) were summoned to the scene, and subsequently acquired a search warrant for this residence. Due to the health and safety hazards associated with this type of crime scene, the Washington County Clandestine Lab Enforcement Team was also summoned to assist with the search of the premises, conducted early this Thursday morning (April 9, 2009). Photos from this search are linked above.
As a result of the search warrant executed at this residence, investigators located and seized as evidence the following:
- One complete, established hydroponics growing operation.
- Approximately 2 lbs. of dried marijuana.
- 78 marijuana plants
- $1,300 in cash.
On Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 3 p.m., Donald Landers, Sr. appeared in Clackamas County Circuit Court for his arraignment on this charge, and was released on his own recognizance by the presiding judge. Landers is next scheduled to appear in court on May 8, 2009.
[END]
Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
