Printed Tuesday, May 21, 2013


Sixth person charged in the massive mushroom-growing operation

BLADE STAFF

A bucket of mushrooms sits on a table as Toledo Police Chief Derrick Diggs speaks during a press conference about the massive mushroom seizure.
A bucket of mushrooms sits on a table as Toledo Police Chief Derrick Diggs speaks during a press conference about the massive mushroom seizure.
A sixth person charged in the massive mushroom-growing operation discovered in East Toledo last month was released from the Lucas County jail on Saturday after arraignment.

Ronald Hammersmith, 43, of 5768 Home Lane, is charged with trafficking in, possession of, and illegal manufacturing of drugs. He was ordered released on his own recognizance.

Police also have charged five other people for various roles in the operation: Sara Thierry, 38, and her husband, Matthew Thierry, both of 5910 Berkey-Southern Rd., Whitehouse; Mikael Stiles, 31, of 5360 Secor Rd.; Ian Golbinec, 31, of 240 Eastern Ave.; and Autum Johnson, 30, of 543 Colburn St.

Police said a total of 137 pounds of the drugs, estimated at $3.1 million, was confiscated.