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Investigation Continues In Benwood Marijuana Grow Case

A Benwood man charged with growing marijuana inside his home where he lives with his two young children is free on bond, but police say an investigation that could lead to more charges against him continues.

On Thursday evening, Benwood police executed a search warrant at the residence of Daniel Brian Beck, 31 of Benwood. According to Benwood Police Chief Frank Longwell, the department is cooperating with state troopers on an ongoing investigation into another matter, which is what prompted authorities to obtain the search warrant for Beck’s home in the first place.

“We had a meeting with the West Virginia State Police (Tuesday), and we’re still furthering the investigation as far as checking out his computers. There could be more charges coming, but we don’t know that until we dissect his electronics,” Longwell said.

At the residence, police allegedly found 17 marijuana plants, various seeds and chemicals used to grow them, and a journal used to track the growth of the plants. Additionally, police also allegedly found an illegal firearm — a rifle with a suppressor on the tip of the barrel. Police also seized several computers and a video game console.

Longwell had previously assessed the total value of the seized property at $15,000.

“We’ve got a special division handling breaking down the computers to see what’s on them,” Longwell added. “There could or could not be charges coming, all depends on what’s on them.”

Longwell added that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms may ultimately end up handling the firearms charges.

Beck allegedly told police that his two daughters living at the residence, ages 10 and 8, did not know he was growing marijuana, and were subsequently placed to live with their grandmother. He is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance, a felony, and misdemeanor possession of an illegal firearm. He posted $25,000 bond and was released from the Northern Regional Jail.

Benwood police were assisted by officers from the McMechen Police Department, as well as a K-9 unit from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.

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