Goshen man grows pot to supplement his income

A Goshen Township man admits to growing marijuana in his home and blames the poor economy and lack of a job as his motive.

Goshen Township Police executed a search warrant at 1785 state Route 28 426AA in Goshen Township on Thursday, Nov. 26.

Cpl. Ron Robinson found 88 marijuana plants growing inside the mobile home that James Ashcraft, 27, shares with his mother, Diana Ashcraft, and stepfather, Joseph Leath.

Police also found extensive evidence of an advanced and maintained marijuana grow operation including growth chemicals, lights, fans, heaters, scales, grow buckets, and an indoor grow tent with poles. Police also confiscated drug paraphernalia.

In total, 88 marijuana plants were removed from the trailer.

Diana Ashcraft and Joseph Leath both claim to have had no knowledge of the grow operation. James Ashcraft told police he found instructions on how to grow marijuana online, and ordered the required equipment online after being unable to find a job.

All three could face charges including illegal manufacturing of drugs or cultivation of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.