More than 600 marijuana plants valued at $5,000 with a street value of $3 million were seized in the investigation.
Paul McKibben and Michael D. Clark report:
The former Mason High School student involved in a potential $3 million marijuana ring is expected to be sentenced this morning in Warren County Juvenile Court.
In July, then 17-year-old Tyler Pagenstecher pleaded guilty to one fourth degree felony count of trafficking in drugs.
Pagenstecher is no longer attending Mason High School and won’t be attending the school in the future, according to the Tracey Carson, spokeswoman for the Mason City School District. She said via email the case has not resulted in any policy changes, noting the district’s policies “address student drug use and possession effectively.”
“Our hope and expectation is that Mason City Schools will continue to do all we can to keep our schools and students safe from the dangers of drug use,” she said.
Pagenstecher turned 18 on Oct 7. He was not charged as an adult.
The Warren County Drug Task Force uncovered the ring who officials say grew high-grade hydroponic marijuana from a Blue Ash furniture warehouse and houses in Norwood and Hamilton.
A Warren County grand jury indicted seven adults in the case. Authorities seized more than 600 marijuana plants valued at $5,000 with a $3 million street value.
Pagenstecher was the primary source of marijuana for students in the Mason district and a significant source of the drug at the Kings Local School District.
Authorities found $6,000 in Pagenstecher’s bedroom while executing a search warrant. They say the teen dealt about $20,000 of marijuana per month but he never sold on school property.
