Barry County Sheriff pulls 48 marijuana plants in Shell Knob

On May 29, 2012, Sheriff Mick Epperly was called to a farmer’s residence in Shell Knob who stated that he thought someone was growing marijuana on his property.  Sheriff Mick Epperly responded to an old farmhouse in Shell Knob where he observed a garden hose running from the house down a path into the field.  Sheriff called in Officer Terry Burgess and Task Force Officer John Luckey.  During the investigation, they discovered 48 marijuana plants approximately 3 foot in height that had been very well taken care of.  At that time officers arrested 71 year old Omer Pearson who was renting the farmhouse from the landowner.  Pearson was taken to the Barry County Jail where he has been charged with manufacturing a controlled substance bond set at $20,000.  The other person residing at the residence had left prior to the officer’s arrival.  Sheriff Epperly states that he is asking for a warrant for manufacturing on this person as well.