A Richmondville man was arrested for allegedly growing 157 marijuana plants after police investigated a report of shots fired late last month.
The Cobleskill State Police responded to reports of shots fired in the vicinity of Franzen Road in the Town of Richmondville on Saturday, May 28.
Police said they arrested Michael Bautochka, 42, of Franzen Road on charges of menacing.
While processing Mr. Bautochka, police said they discovered 157 marijuana plants in a three-room grow operation in Mr. Bautochka’s basement. Police seized the hydroponics growing system, the marijuana and four rifles and shotguns.
In addition to menacing, Mr. Bautochka was charged with unlawfully growing of marijuana, two counts of unlawfully dealing with a child and unlawful possession of marijuana, police said.
Mr. Bautochka was arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill court and sent to jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond, police said. The police were assisted by the Schoharie County District Attorney’s office.