Man Sentenced For Growing Marijuana in Otsego Home

An Edina man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and probation for growing marijuana in his Otsego home.

Donald William Carlson, 59, was sentenced on June 25, almost a year to the day after Wright County deputies found his marijuana-growing operation.

According to the criminal complaint:

On June 27, 2012, someone called 911 about three young people "possibly breaking into or damaging" a house in the 15000 block of 96th Street Northeast. A deputy went to the address and found three boys with freshly cut marijuana.

Deputies at the scene could "smell the strong odor of fresh marijuana" coming from the home. They learned the home was owned by Carlson.

Neighbors said Carlson visited each month to mow the lawn and move things between the house and shed.

Deputies got a warrant and went into the house. There they found "24 marijuana plants 23 feet high in grow tents, various hydroponics equipment, grow lights plugged into timers, and ventilation equipment."

One of the deputies stripped the marijuana plants and weighed them. Carlson's plants yielded about 3.9 pounds, or 1769 grams, of marijuana. 

He was charged with fifth-degree felony controlled substance. He was sentenced to five years in prison, which he will not serve unless he violates the conditions of his probation. He was sentenced to serve 90 days jail; pay a $500 fine; submit to random testing; stay away from alcohol, prescription drugs and dangerous weapons; and undergo a chemical dependency evaluation.