April 27, 2010
Illegal Turkey Hunting Probe Reveals Pot Plants, Guns
A Goshen man has been arrested and Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police were seeking a second suspect after an investigation into possible illegal turkey hunting Monday turned into a case involving alleged possession of illegal drugs.
Officers spotted a vehicle parked in a privately-owned wooded area off of Everest Hill Road in Cornwall and suspected that illegal turkey hunting was under way, said authorities. A search of the area revealed two individuals dressed in camouflage who fled on foot. Police arrested Gary Hall, 54, of Goshen, said police. The second suspect was able to escape.
Police say Hall admitted that he and the second suspect had just planted 26 marijuana plants and intended to cultivate them. A subsequent search of Hall’s home at 43 Park Road in Goshen revealed 241 more marijuana plants, more than $5,000 in cash, and 17 rifles, said authorities.
Hall was arrested on charges of interfering with an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He is free on bond and due in Bantam Superior Court May 10.
Police seized the vehicle used for transporting the marijuana, which is allegedly owned by the second suspect. Authorities were seeking an arrest warrant.
Spring turkey hunting season in Connecticut opens Wednesday.