Search Warrants Yield 704 Marijuana Plants in Rural Rochester

ROCHESTER, IN - Today, a six week long drug investigation by the Indiana State Police, in conjunction with several police agencies, has resulted in the arrest of Daniel R. Nells, 44, of rural Rochester, IN.

Nells faces class D felony charges for possession of marijuana over 30 grams, dealing marijuana over 30 grams, and maintaining a common nuisance. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count for possessing drug paraphernalia.  

This morning, at approximately 9:21 a.m., officers simultaneously executed search warrants on two homes owned by Nells. A Starke Circuit Court search warrant was served on a residence at 10525 East 50 North, rural Knox, IN. Officers purportedly found handguns, an undetermined amount of United States currency, marijuana under 30 grams, and drug paraphernalia.  

A Fulton Superior Court search warrant was served at 4250 South 225 West, rural Rochester, IN. Officers allegedly found an active indoor marijuana grow operation containing 704 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Officers purportedly also found growing equipment worth approximately $10,000 and drug paraphernalia. This home appeared to be unoccupied and used exclusively to grow marijuana.

Nells was staying in a camper on the property. He was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail with a bond of $7,500. So far, Nells only faces criminal charges in Fulton County.  A report will be forwarded to the Starke County Prosecutor’s office requesting that charges be filed for the items allegedly found at his Knox, IN, home. 

The marijuana plants have an approximate street value of $7,000. 

Officers assisting in the investigation were from the Miami County Drug Task Force, the Rochester Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police (ISP) Bremen Post, the ISP Peru Post, the ISP Lowell Post, and detectives from the ISP Drug Enforcement Section.