A Siren, WI man is facing charges of growing marijuana plants in Burnett County, WI following the execution of a search warrant at his property in July 2016.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Burnett County Circuit Court against Russell Eckstrom, the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on his property in Burnett County after a complaint was received which indicated that Eckstrom may be growing marijuana plants on his property.
During the search warrant, investigators discovered more than 20 marijuana plants growing on Eckstrom’s property; some inside the residence and "several" outside. At least one bedroom inside the residence had lights installed to aid in growing the marijuana plants and the walls of the bedroom were covered in tin foil. The plants found growing outside the residence were located in a clearing and there was a hole where it appeared one plant had been recently dug up. Investigators also found a mature plant with multiple cuttings removed; some of the cuttings had been placed in a growing medium.
The criminal complaint goes on to state that investigators also found devices used for smoking controlled substances, gem baggies with a white residue of methamphetamine, marijuana ‘shake’, and a partially smoked marijuana ‘joint’.
Eckstrom is charged with Class I Felony Possess Methamphetamine, Class G Felony Manufacture THC (Marijuana) (>1000-2500 Grams), Misdemeanor Possession of THC (Marijuana), and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The maximum penalty for a conviction of Class G Felony Manufacture THC (Marijuana) is imprisonment for not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $25,000, or both.
The criminal complaint against Eckstrom was filed in May of 2017 and in September of 2017, after finding probable cause for the State’s charges to move forward and accepting Eckstrom’s Not Guilty plea on all charges, the Court placed Eckstrom on a signature bond which requires him to maintain absolute sobriety. Eckstrom most recently appeared on November 20, 2017, for a status conference and is next scheduled to appear on his charges in January 2018.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
**Also See**
DrydenWire.com Announces BurnettWire.com
Thursday, November 2, 2017 | DrydenWire
We are very excited to announce that we will be launching BurnettWire.com on December 4th, 2017.
BurnettWire.com will be a free news & information website specifically focused on Burnett County. The website is still in production but our Facebook page has officially launched and our Twitter page is coming soon.
BurnettWire.com will be covering breaking news, local stories, information, local government, obituaries, crime stories, school news, human interest stories, and events; all specific to Burnett County.
Advertisers will also be specific to Burnett County businesses, services, and organizations. Speaking of advertising, if you own or manage a business or organization and would like to know more about advertising on BurnettWire.com please email Ben Dryden at drydenwire@gmail.com or call 715-214-8468. **We are offering a 1st-time special introductory rate for those that sign-up before December 31st for 2018.**
BurnettWire.com is the 2nd expansion of DrydenWire as SawyerWire officially went live on November 13, 2017.
Last Update: Nov 27, 2017 5:27 pm CST
