Police bust marijuana growing operation in Rush County

RUSH COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - Two men are facing felony charges after a drug bust in Rush County.

Police served two search warrants Wednesday after an eight-week investigation by Indiana State Excise Police and the Rush County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators served one on the 5300 block of South the Farm Road, a rural 40 acre farm in Rush County.

The other was served on West 3rd Street in Rushville.

In all, investigators seized 21 guns, bags full of marijuana plants, and growing equipment and lights.

“There are around 10 buildings on this property,” said Corporal Travis Thickstun with State Excise Police. “There are 40 acres of woods and farm land the officers have been searching.”

Officials arrested 48-year-old Marvin Miller on the farm. He faces preliminary charges of marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana.

Several miles away, on 3rd Street in Rushville, Bob Emme's wife saw investigators entering the home next door. Police arrested 45-year-old Richard Moffett there. He faces charges of possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

“Our neighbor was handcuffed and sitting back here on a bench,” said Bob Emme. “They were going in and out of the house; it looked like they were searching the place.”

When he thought about it, Emme said the goings on next door were out of the ordinary.

“Different people you see going in and out of there, that all seemed suspicious, really.”

Officers had been working the case for two months. They say their investigation started after an anonymous tip.

Corporal Thickstun says the bust was a joint effort between State Excise Police, Rush County Sheriff’s Department, Rushville Police Department, and Indiana State Police.