FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. Upshur County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested two, including a convicted felon, during a warrant service as part of a wanton endangerment investigation.
During a search of the home on Route 20 South Road, deputies found marijuana plants and nine firearms on Tuesday.
Deputies made contact with John Cathell III at the home, who has multiple convictions in Delaware and is not eligible to carry a weapon, and Jennifer Cathell.
Deputies recovered four rifles, three shotguns, and two pistols and reported that many of the weapons were loaded. The seedlings discovered by deputies were confirmed by Jennifer Cathell to be marijuana. The Cathells told deputies they smoked marijuana but did not have a valid medical marijuana card.
John Cathell III has been charged with one felony count of wanton endangerment, nine felony counts of felon in possession of a firearm, five felony counts of manufacture of a controlled substance, and 14 felony counts of conspiracy.
Jennifer Cathell has been charged with five counts of manufacture of a controlled substance and 14 felony counts of conspiracy and has been released on bond.
John Cathell III is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail in lieu of a $325,000 cash-only bail.