A search warrant led to the arrest of a 68-year-old Belleview man after a marijuana plant was found in his backyard.
On Tuesday, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a residence located in the 11700 block of SE 72nd Terrace in Belleview. According to the arrest report, the deputy was assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the execution of a search warrant for a home belonging to Steven Frank Nurek.
The deputy made contact with Nurek and conducted a search of the property. In the MCSO report, the deputy noted that a white bucket containing a green leafy plant was observed in the backyard. The plant was submerged in soil and contained buds, flowers, and a root system.
The green leafy plant field-tested positive for marijuana.
After being read his Miranda rights, Nurek admitted that the marijuana plant belonged to him, and he advised that he had attempted to grow the plant “over a year ago.” He claimed that he had forgotten that it was still growing, according to the MCSO report.
During the post-Miranda interview, Nurek admitted that he has grown marijuana plants in the past, and he mentioned that he uses marijuana “for recreational use in his everyday life.” The deputy noted in the report that Nurek does not possess a medical marijuana card.
Nurek was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $5,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge for cultivation of cannabis.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.