Alex Paul
Five persons faced numerous counts of drug-related charges November 18, after Sweet Home Police executed a warrant at 7:05 a.m. at 401 7th Ave.
Local officers were assisted by deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and then by the state bomb squad, after a homemade explosive device and a hand grenade were found at the residence.
SHPD Officer Jeff Lynn said the warrant was served as part of an ongoing investigation and through information gleaned from a confidential informant.
“We’ve had numerous contacts with those charged,” Chief Bob Burford said.
Finding the explosive devices was a surprise, Officer Lynn said, since those charged have not been known to be violent in pervious incidents. The homemade device, Officer Lynn explained, looked like a glass jar covered with duct tape with a fuse stick out of its top. The WWII era grenade was found in a storage shed outside the home.
The house is approximately one-half block east of Oak Heights School. Sweet Home Police contacted school officials when the state bomb squad detonated the explosive devices, and had students kept inside the school building.
Seized during the event were methamphetamines, narcotic packaging and distribution materials, narcotic paraphernalia and cash.
Some of those arrested were charged after they arrived at the home during the raid.
Arrested at the scene were the home’s owner, Robert Dean Robertson, 37, who was charged with PCS meth within 1,000 feet of a school, DCS meth within 1,000 feet of a school, four counts of child neglect (four juveniles were removed from the home by the Department of Human Services and placed in protective care), possession of a destructive device (two counts). He was transported to the Linn County Jail.
Also arrested were:
Michael Danielson, 38, 821 4th, charged with felon in possession of a firearm, PCS meth within 1,000 feet of a school, Linn County warrants for probation violation (manufacturing a controlled substance) and contempt of court. He was transported to the Linn County Jail.
Thomas Ray Ackeret, 18, 401 7th, PCS meth within 1,000 feet of a school, frequenting a place where narcotics are sold and used. Cited and released.
Shawn Crites, 18, 1301 Tamarack. PCS meth within 1,000 feet of a school and PCS marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school. Cited and released.
Christina Debut, 24, 814 18th, PCS meth within 1,000 feet of a school. Cited and released.