April 13, 2010

NEWTON MAN GUILTY ON MARIJUANA, GUN CHARGES

WICHITA, KAN. – A Newton man has been found guilty on federal charges of growing 204 marijuana plants in his home, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

A jury found Judah Prince, 50, formerly of Newton, Kan., guilty on one count of manufacturing marijuana and 26 counts of using a false address when he filled out federal paperwork to determine whether he was eligible to purchase firearms.

During a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Wichita, prosecutors presented evidence that on Jan. 9, 2008, agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives served a search warrant at Prince’s home in Newton. They found the marijuana plants growing inside the house. They also seized more than 35 firearms including rifles, shotguns and pistols.

Sentencing is set for June 28, 2010. He faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life on the marijuana count, and a maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $250,00 on each of the firearms counts. Welch commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster and Special Assistant Aaron Smith for their work on the case.