CLEAR LAKE – Clear Lake police conducted a “comprehensive narcotics investigation” that led to the arrest of two alleged marijuana growers.
Clear Lake police tell NIT that on December 18, 2017, Clear Lake Police Investigators arrested James L. Thornton, age 69, and Penny S Frenz, age 56, both from Clear Lake, on drug charges. Thornton and Frenz were charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Drug Tax Stamp, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All the charges are a Class D Felony, except the drug paraphernalia charge which is a Simple Misdemeanor.
The arrests stem from a comprehensive narcotics investigation into a possible marijuana grow operation in the 700 block of North 5th Place. Officers and investigators executed a search warrant at a residence and located items consistent with the growing and manufacturing of marijuana. More than 300 grams of marijuana ready for consumption was also found inside the home.
The investigation involved the coordinated efforts of the North Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
Both Frenz and Thornton appear to be out of the county jail at this time.