Police: Growing operation found

Seymour Police officers reportedly discovered a large indoor marijuana growing operation at a residence near an elementary school this weekend and arrested a local woman on charges of cultivating drugs with intent to sell.

Police Chief Bill Abbott said officers located more than 80 marijuana plants growing in the basement of a residence in the 500 block of Homestead Avenue, near Emerson Elementary School, Saturday night.

"It's one of the biggest we've had," Abbott said of the find.

The investigation began when the department received an anonymous phone tip, he added.

"Officers went and made contact with the homeowner, which led to the discovery of the indoor growing operation," he said.

Debra A. Neal, 52, Seymour, was charged with cultivating, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

She was booked into the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown at 1:48 a.m. Sunday and was released at 4:47 a.m. Sunday after posting $1,005 bond.

Abbott said Neal will ultimately face a Class C felony drug charge because the residence is within 1,000 feet of a school.

Investigating officers were Ian McPherson, John Newcomb, Brandon White, Detective Greg O'Brien and Sgt. Ryan Huddleston.