Crime & Safety
Man Released on Bail After Allegedly Tending Commack Marijuana Farm
Cops say Kerns helped tend 100-200 marijuana plants off Vanderbuilt Motor Parkway in Commack.
A Kings Park Man has been released on bail after being arrested Wednesday night for allegedly tending a marijuana farm in Commack.
Mark Kern, 44, posted a $5,000 cash bail set by Suffolk County Judge Paul Hensley at his arrangement in Central Islip courts on Thursday, according to court records. He did not enter a plea, but requested time to obtain the services of a defense attorney.
Kern is charged with one Class E felony count of third-degree criminal possession of marijuana and two misdemeanor charges of criminal trespassing and resisting arrest.
Smithtown Public Safety officers arrested Kern at 10:22 p.m. on Sept. 11 for allegedly helping tend to a marijuana farm, with between 100-200 plants, off Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Redleaf Lane in Commack.
The town's Public Safety Department conducted a four-month investigation, involving video surveillance, called "Operation Green Thumb" after highway department workers found young marijuana plants growing inside a water recharge basin.
Public Safety Deputy Chief Kevin McPadden said officers in camoflauge staked out the area on Wednesday night after watching video footage showing individuals slipping through a hole in the fence to regularly water and fertilizer the marijuana plants.
Kern was arrested as result of the stakeout while a second individual escaped on foot. The investigation is still ongoing is still ongoing and there is the possibility additionals arrests will be made, according to McPadden.
Kern is scheduled to next appear in Central Islip courts on Oct. 2.
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