GEORGETOWN, Ohio — An Aberdeen Village Council member awaits charges for allegedly running a growing operation in multiple homes after an investigation by members of Brown County law enforcement.

According to Commander Justin Conley of the Brown County Drug and Major Crimes Task Force, on Aug. 29, agents from the force, along with assistance from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol, identified an alleged marijuana growing operation at a residence on Black Gum Street in Aberdeen.

The residence was identified as belonging to Aberdeen Village Council member Tony Combess by city officials.

After a search of the property, officials acquired around $17,000 worth of marijuana and five firearms, police said.

As the investigation continued, it was discovered that Combess also had a second residence on Black Gum Street. A search of the property revealed what Conley described as an “elaborate, indoor marijuana growing operation,” and additional processed marijuana.

Charges for cultivation of marijuana and trafficking marijuana with a firearm specifications are pending for Combess, Conley said. Once the weight and lab results of the plants are determined, then the case will be brought before a Brown County grand jury.

Mayor Jason Philips said the council is keeping its distance from the investigation due to the obvious conflict of interest, however he confirmed he expected Combess to submit his resignation from the council.

The village of Aberdeen said should Combess be proven guilty, it has zero tolerance for those actions, both for a council member, and for the village at large.

https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Drug-Taskforce.jpg

Jonathan Wright

[email protected]