By Lisa Pett

A family of three is facing charges of manufacturing THC, possession with intent to sell, maintaining a drug trafficking place and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Caroline Clendenning, 62, Kurt Clendenning, 53, and 29-year-old son Dylan Clendenning were charged after the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force busted an apparent growing operation in their Plover home in December of 2014.

Officers executed a search warrant on the Wisconsin Ave. residence and found a grow tent in a back bedroom with at least five two-foot-tall marijuana plants.  The plants were all under grow lights.

According to the criminal complaint, officers also discovered a hydroponic starter kit, ventilation tubes and a ventilation fan. There was also six pounds of marijuana and a book titled, The Marijuana Grow Bible. The smell of marijuana was so overpowering that, according to the report, officers complained of headaches while in the residence.

When interviewed by police, Caroline Clendenning denied knowing what was going on in the house. She admitted that she knew her son, Dylan Clendenning grew marijuana but did not know he was growing it in the house.

During questioning, Dylan Clendenning said he was “pretty sure the house smelled like marijuana” but said his parents “looked the other way.” He said that he did not live with his parents but visited the house nearly every day.

A search of the parents’ bedroom revealed drug paraphernalia, jars containing a substance that tested positive for THC and a safe. Caroline Clendenning said the safe contained “their life savings” but when opened, the officers found a CD case containing packages labeled as marijuana seeds with the names “Liberty Haze,” “White Widow X Skin #1” and “Love Potion.”

Officers also noted the Clendenning residence is within 1,000 feet of Roosevelt Elementary School.

Kurt Clendenning is free on a $1,000 signature bond. Caroline and Dylan Clendenning were issued $2,000 signature bonds. Kurt and Caroline are due back in court for preliminary hearing on September 28. Dylan’s next court date is September 14.