Man pleads no contest in mushroom seizure

1/23/2013

One of six Lucas County residents arrested in what was believed to be a near-record seizure of psychedelic mushrooms entered a plea in Common Pleas Court on Tuesday on multiple drug charges.

Ian Golbinec, 31, of 240 Eastern Ave. pleaded no contest to one count each of illegal manufacturing of drugs, aggravated possession of drugs, aggravated trafficking in drugs, and tampering with evidence. He faces up to 33 years in prison when sentenced March 7.

As part of the plea, the major-drug- offender specifications were dismissed.

Still facing charges are Matthew Thierry, 41, of 5910 Berkey-Southern Rd; his wife, Sara Thierry, 38; Mikael Stiles, 31, of 5360 Secor Rd.; Ronald Hammersmith, 43, of 5768 Home Lane, and Autum Johnson, 30, of 543 Colburn St.

The defendants are all charged in connection with the seizure of about 137 pounds, or an estimated $3.1 million worth, of psychedelic mushrooms, confiscated when five houses in Toledo and one in Whitehouse were searched in September.