SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Deputies Arrest Jay Man for Cultivation of Marijuana

On July 21, 2008 , Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office patrol deputies were dispatched to a wooded area off of Bud Diamond Road in Jay , Florida , in reference to a suspicious vehicle. When deputies arrived, observed a white male, identified as Tharon "Buckshot" Godwin, walking from a wooded area. The land is private property and Godwin did not have permission to be on the land. Godwin was observed to be carrying large water bottles, and also had pruning shears in his possession, which is commonly encountered with individuals who cultivate marijuana. K-9 Officers were called from Century Correctional Institution. When they arrived, the K-9 tracked from Godwin's truck to a location a few hundred yards into the woods. This location revealed 85 marijuana plants, which had all been well maintained and pruned, in order to yield a higher quality and amount of marijuana. A search of Godwin's truck revealed more water containers, fertilizers, cultivation tools, packaging and collection materials commonly used in the production of marijuana, and human hair clippings. Hair clippings are commonly used by individuals who cultivate marijuana. It is dispersed around the cultivation area as a "deer repellant" so that the plants are not consumed by wildlife. Based on all of the facts and circumstances that were observed, Godwin was arrested for Cultivation of Marijuana and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail. Godwin's truck was also seized by deputies. All of the plants were cut down and taken to be destroyed. Godwin was released later in the evening on a $7,500.00 bond. A photograph of Godwin is attached to this email. Photographs of the plants are also attached.

SUSPECT:

Tharon Douglas Godwin, W/M, 66 years old, AKA "Buckshot"

3500 Block of Hazel Godwin Road , Brownsdale , FL

CHARGES:

Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, Manufacture, or Deliver, 3 rd degree felony

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net