Two deny pot-selling charges in alleged illegal grow case in Southampton

By BRIAN STEELE

Staff Writer

Published: 04-06-2022 5:58 PM

NORTHAMPTON — Two people charged in connection with an illegal marijuana grow in Southampton pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Northampton District Court while a third suspect is scheduled for arraignment next Monday.

Trinity Washburn, 40, and Brandon Noonan, 29, were each charged on March 15 with marijuana trafficking between 50 and 100 pounds, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Both were released on personal recognizance and are due back in court on June 13. The three suspects were summoned to court; the Gazette is withholding the third person’s name until after that person is arraigned.

Washburn’s ex-boyfriend reported the grow to police on Feb. 7, according to a detective’s report, saying he was concerned for the well-being of her children and wanted some of his possessions returned. He provided the code to an electronic lock on a marijuana grow room at her house at 55 White Loaf Road.

Local and State Police executed a search warrant on Feb. 9.

Washburn allegedly told investigating officers that Noonan and the third suspect were renting an apartment in her house and that she believed they were growing a legal amount of marijuana.

Massachusetts law allows one person to grow up to six marijuana plants in their home, while up to 12 plants can be grown in a home where two or more people live. According to the detective’s report, Washburn’s ex-boyfriend had said the two alleged tenants did not live with her and that they all shared revenue from illicit marijuana sales.

“In part of the residence, officers and troopers located approximately 55 suspected marijuana plants in various stages of growth,” according to the detective’s report.

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Police said the Department of Children and Families removed children from the home and made arrangements for them to stay with family members.

“There was a lot of exposed electrical wiring in the area of the grow that did not appear to be up to code,” the detective’s report reads. “The local electrical inspector was contacted and responded to the scene to ensure it was safe for everyone.”

A search warrant included in court records contains a photocopy of what investigators allege is Washburn’s January electric bill, showing an outstanding balance in excess of $11,000.

Reached by phone, Noonan’s defense attorney Daniel Bergin declined to comment. An attorney representing Washburn did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Court records list Noonan’s address in Huntington. The third suspect is listed as a resident of Agawam.

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