2 Eugene Homes Found to Host Indoor Marijuana Gardens
Two Eugene-area residents were arrested by detectives assigned to the
Interagency Narcotic Enforcement Team (INET) Thursday following the
execution of two search warrants at Eugene area homes, both within 1,000 feet of a school -- a legal distinction that brings stiffer prosecution.
At 8:45 a.m., INET detectives served a search warrant
at 4572 Avalon Street in Eugene. Contact at the residence was made
with TERRY BRITTEN, age 38, and EMMA SCHWITZEL, age 29, and both were
detained without incident. During a search of the residence detectives
confirmed that BRITTEN and SCHWITZEL were growing marijuana in the
master bedroom, garage and a large storage shed behind the residence.
A total of 62 mature marijuana plants were found at the property, as
well as processed marijuana in the kitchen, living room, master bedroom
and garage. In addition, detectives found MDMA-Ecstasy in both tablet
and powder form.
Two children ages 7 and 9 also live at the house, which is within 600 feet of Danebo Elementary School.
After completing the search and evidence seizure, detectives went to a
second location at 970 E. 44th Ave. which also belongs to BRITTEN and
SCHWITZEL. During a search of the property detectives recovered a
loaded handgun, processed marijuana, digital scales, packaging
material, a drug debt /customer list, and 101 marijuana plants. The
entire basement had been converted to support a marijuana growing
operation. This property is within 800 feet of Eugene Christian School.
Electrical wiring of both homes had been altered and ventilation ports
were cut in the exterior walls, roofs and interior drywall to support
the marijuana growing operation.
BRITTEN and SCHWITZEL were each cited to appear in Lane County Circuit Court for:
1. Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana
2. Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, within 1000 feet of a school-Marijuana (2 counts)
3. Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana
4. Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana
5. Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a school-Marijuana (2 counts)
6. Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance-MDMA (Ecstasy)
7. First Degree Child Neglect (2 counts)
8. Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (2 counts)
The two children were released to their biological mother and detectives notified Department of Human Services.
INET is made up of detectives from the Oregon State Police, Lane County
Sheriff's Office, Eugene Police Department, Springfield Police
Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
