Gauquie

GIBBON — An anonymous letter with a tip about a big marijuana growing operation several miles northwest of Gibbon led to the arrest of a rural Gibbon man on felony 3rd-degree controlled substance sale Aug. 14.

Marc A. Gauquie, 62428 220th St., Grafton Township, Sibley County, posted $2,000 cash bail Aug. 16. He was ordered to remain law abiding, make all future court appearances and report changes of home phone number and/or work address and phone number to the Court or attorney.

According to court documents, authorities found 157 marijuana plants outside Gauquie’s residence and about 7.77 pounds of raw marijuana Aug. 14. Marijuana growing equipment was found throughout the residence. Each room had heat lamps, lights, fans and venting systems. Plants and pots were found upstairs. The porch was used as a grow house. The attic was used to dry marijuana.

In addition, it was apparent edible marijuana products were being produced at the residence. Fifty-eight marijuana candy bars plus marijuana wax, packing material and equipment were seized. Gauquie was arrested and transported to the Sibley County Jail.

After the anonymous letter was received, a sheriff’s investigator subpoenaed power company records that showed much more power was being used at the residence than nearby farms, according to court documents.

The Minnesota State Patrol did surveyed the property from the air last week and observed what looked like marijuana growing in a wooded area near the residence.

A Rule 8 hearing in the case was set for 11 a.m., Aug. 30.