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HAMLET — Police reportedly discovered a marijuana grow operation while investigating a sexual assault involving two juvenile victims.
Following an investigation, police say they obtained warrants for the arrest of 51-year-old Ernest Richard Wilbanks III on charges of second-degree forcible sex offense and sex act by a substitute parent or guardian for incidents that allegedly occurred in October and December, respectively.
While attempting to arrest Wilbanks at his Jefferson Street home on Feb. 5, police say officers “developed probable cause” that he was manufacturing illegal drugs.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers reportedly found 20 marijuana plants — along with a water filtration system, lights and ventilation — growing in the basement.
Police also reportedly found 20 mason jars containing more than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of marijuana, multiple glass pipes, water bongs, “other smoking apparatuses,” grinders and sandwich bags.
Police allege in warrants that Wilbanks and 51-year-old Amy Edmunds, of the home, were using the single-story house on Jefferson Street to grow and store cannabis.
They are also accused of putting a 10-year-old at risk of harm due to “keeping large amounts of marijuana in the freezer and laundry room” where the child had access.
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HPD investigators have charged Wilbanks and Edmunds with: manufacturing a Schedule VI controlled substance; felony possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; misdemeanor child abuse; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Wilbanks was arrested and booked into the Richmond County Jail where he is being held on a combined $775,000 secured bond: $750,000 on the sex crime charges; $25,000 on the marijuana charges.
Edmunds was reportedly given a $25,000 secured bond, however she did not appear in jail records on Feb. 6.
Both are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 27.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Wilbanks was first convicted in 1996 of second-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree kidnapping in Moore County, and served three years and four months on the kidnapping charges.
Edmunds appears to have no prior convictions in the state.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“}]] HAMLET — Police reportedly discovered a marijuana grow operation while investigating a sexual assault involving two juvenile victims. Following an investigation, police say they obtained warrants for the arrest of Read More
