NEWPORT — A 51-year-old man from North Troy who was arrested back in September after police say they found 118 full grown marijuana plants in his backyard, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge on Tuesday.
Christopher Kinkade, who police say was the North Troy dog catcher, was busted on September 16 after a raid was carried out on his property at 116 North Pleasant Street.
Interestingly enough, Kinkade is listed on the state marijuana registry, which allows him to have seven immature marijuana plants or two mature plants in his possession, so long as they are grown in a locked room on the second floor of his home.
Police say there were no plants growing inside Kinkade’s home, and that 118 plants were growing in his backyard, behind a locked fence.
According to court documents, two people tipped police off about the plants, stating that they were clearly visible from the bottom of the fence.
Police used a helicopter to gather evidence to obtain the search warrant, which was issued by Orleans County Judge Howard Vanbenthuysen.
Kinkade is facing a felony cultivation of marijuana charge and faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
He was released Tuesday on conditions.
