Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Marijuana Grow Operation

Staff Report

On Jan. 5, 2025, Columbus Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Illges Road and Carver Street, resulting in the discovery of an illegal marijuana grow operation.

Marcus Mathis, 54, was pulled over for a stop sign violation in the area. Megan Moore, 47, was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Mathis. During the stop, officers searched the vehicle and discovered a large marijuana plant inside.

Therefore, following the traffic stop, search warrants were executed at a residence on Pecan Street and another on Bellamy Street, both connected to Mathis. The searches resulted in the seizure of:
• Additional marijuana plants (totaling 532.51 grams, with an alleged street value $5,325.10)
• Marijuana seeds
• Grow lights
• Scales and baggies
• Potting soil
• Pipes and bongs
• Temperature-controlled refrigerators
• Two firearms

Both Mathis and Moore were taken into custody. They are charged with the following:
Marcus Mathis, 54
• Manufacturing Marijuana
• Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime
• Possession of Drug-Related Objects
• Stop Sign Violation

Megan Moore, 47
• Manufacturing Marijuana
• Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime
• Possession of Drug-Related Object

This investigation is ongoing.