Sand Springs man sentenced in large-scale marijuana operation
BY DAVID HARPER World Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012
4/13/12 at 6:20 AM
A Sand Springs man was sentenced Thursday to 1 1/2 years in prison for taking part in a conspiracy to manufacture marijuana in an operation where more than 100 plants were grown indoors.
David G. Shuck was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Claire Eagan to pay $300,000 - which represents proceeds of the plot - along with co-defendant Vincent B. Watson of Mannford.
Watson, 52, was found guilty March 1 by a Tulsa federal jury of the conspiracy charge, as well as four other counts in a Nov. 7 indictment.
Shuck, 49, pleaded guilty Jan. 12, admitting that he agreed to manufacture marijuana, to maintain drug-involved premises and to possess the drug with an intent to distribute it.
He stated in plea documents that he and Watson used a trailer in Mannford, where Shuck claimed that more than 100 marijuana plants were grown, as well as Shuck's residence in Sand Springs, where he said the processing was completed.
Law enforcement authorities said a large-scale indoor marijuana-growing operation was found July 29 at the Mannford location, with plants as tall as 9 feet, lights and fans associated with marijuana growing, and hydroponic chemicals that stimulate plant growth.
The prosecution said the two men divided the labor, with Shuck doing most of the cleaning, Watson doing most of the cloning of the plants, and both filling and maintaining water tanks.
Eagan ordered that Shuck, who is free on bond, report to prison by May 24. He will be under court supervision for five years after his release, the judge said.
Shuck has forfeited a 2003 Toyota Camry and a 1989 Charger boat as part of his punishment, according to a court document.
Watson is scheduled to be sentenced June 1.
Original Print Headline: Sand Springs man sentenced in pot plot
David Harper 918-581-8359
david.harper@tulsaworld.com
