Maumee man pleads guilty to drug charge

8/7/2004

A 27-year-old Maumee man caught growing more than 300 marijuana plants in his home pleaded guilty this week in federal court to one felony drug charge of manufacturing a controlled substance.

Timothy R. Justen II, of 201 River Rd., was arrested in February after police and federal Drug Enforcement Agents found the plants in his house, which is near Elizabeth Wayne Nursery at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Because his house is within 1,000 feet of a school, Justen could face up to 80 years in prison, although his sentence likely will be much less, said Thomas Karol, an assistant U.S. attorney.

Justen is free on $10,000 unsecured bail until his sentencing, which will take place within the next few months.