Police find marijuana plants in two Lewis County homes

LOWVILLE — While police agencies are used to finding marijuana growing in Lewis County fields at this time of the year, this week they found growing systems in two houses.

State police allege they found marijuana growing in a family home Tuesday in Port Leyden after serving the residents with a search warrant.

Peyton B. and Lisa A. Smith reportedly had a growing room for starting plants in their home at 3347 Elm St., and used the attic and a bedroom to dry and process the plants, police said. Investigators said they seized 24 ounces of marijuana.

An outside shed also was used to process hashish, police said.

As a result of the investigation, Mr. Smith, 35, and Mrs. Smith, 37, have been charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, growing marijuana without a license and endangering the welfare of a child.

They were released and await grand jury action.

In a separate investigation by Lowville police, Joseph R. Garito, 28, Stewart Street, was charged Thursday with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and growing marijuana without a license. Police said a tip led to a search at his home, where 20 mature plants were found in "a sophisticated marijuana grow room" in the second level.

He also was released and awaits prosecution.