Two charged in growing operation waive hearing
Two Bentleyville residents waived preliminary hearings Tuesday related to a marijuana growing operation in their home.
Bentleyville police said 71 marijuana plants were found April 21 growing in the home of Richard M. Ritenour and Christine I. Carnes, both 38, of 143 Main St. They each face charges of 74 counts of possession with intent to deliver, 74 counts of possession of a controlled substance, 26 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of endangering the welfare of children. Carnes also faces charges of conspiracy.
According to Bentleyville police, the growing operation was found after a caseworker from Washington County Children and Youth Services went to the home to do a welfare check on three children living there.
A loaded shotgun was also found in the living room of the home.
Bentleyville police said Ritenour and Carnes waived a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge Curtis Thompson to Washington County Court for final disposition.