A Utica man has been arrested after detectives discovered an illegal mushroom growing operation in a hidden room behind a bookshelf in the suspect’s home, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. Several guns and drug paraphernalia were also seized, officials said.
According to a release, the DCSO Special Investigations Unit (SIU), DCSO Patrol Division, Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force executed a search warrant on October 31 at the home of Joseph Kyle VanVactor in the 11600 block of U.S. 431 in Utica as part of narcotics trafficking investigation.
VanVactor was developed as a suspect by DCSO SIU detectives based off information received by the community, DCSO said.
“During the search warrant, detectives located evidence of a psilocybin mushroom growing operation. Approximately 3 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms as well as psilocybin mushroom growing paraphernalia, marijuana, digital scales, vacuum sealing equipment, and other items were seized by investigators. Three handguns, two rifles, and a 12-gauge shotgun were also located. During the search of the residence, detectives discovered a hidden room located behind a bookshelf which contained the illegal growing operation. Because the grow operation exposed law enforcement to dangerous chemicals the KSP Hazardous Material Team responded to safely dismantle the operation,” according to the release.
All evidence was logged into property at KSP due to the hazardous nature of many of the components, the release said.
VanVactor was arrested and taken to the Daviess County Detention Center on the following charges, according to DCSO:
- Wanton Endangerment of a Police Officer – 1st Degree (6 counts)
- Trafficking Controlled Substances – 2nd Degree, 1st Offense (While Armed)
- Trafficking in Marijuana (While Armed)
- Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess (While Armed)
