Marijuana plants found growing in day care's basement

Marijuana plants were found growing in the basement and backyard of a licensed day care facility in the town of Bainbridge last week, State Police out of Sidney report today in a press release.

James Spinella: Photo via New York State PoliceThe plants were reportedly found when a day care inspector arrived for an unannounced visit. After the inspector called the police, State Police deputies searched the residence and allegedly found "a modified shotgun, a small amount of prescription medication, and additional processed marihuana."

The day care operator, 22-year-old Stephanie L. Emerson, lost her license over the discovery. But it was James M. Spinella, who also lived at the residence, who was charged with growing the marijuana and owning the various other illegal items. He was processed in the Town of Bainbridge court yesterday.

Here's the press release in full:

“Unannounced” Day Care Inspection Leads to Arrest

(Bainbridge N.Y., May 20, 2011) On Monday, May 16, 2011, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Day Care Enforcement, contacted the New York State Police in Sidney, N.Y., after discovering marihuana plants during a “surprise inspection” of a day care facility in Bainbridge, N.Y.

The ensuing investigation revealed STEPHANIE L. EMERSON, age 22, was operating a licensed day care facility at her residence located at 1566 County Route 39, Bainbridge, N.Y. when a licensed day care inspector located marihuana plants growing in the residence basement.

A search of the residence and property conducted by the New York State police resulted in the seizure of marihuana plants growing in the basement and in the back yard. In addition to the plants, a modified shotgun, a small amount of prescription medication, and additional processed marihuana was located within the residence.

Further investigation revealed that JAMES M. SPINELLA, age 32, who also resides at the residence, was responsible for growing the marihuana and possessing the other illegal items. Spinella was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree, Criminal Possession of Marihuana 5th Degree and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis. Spinella was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable in the Town of Bainbridge Court on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. Emerson’s day care license was suspended.