Charges have been laid against Donald Faatz of Kingsville following an investigation into a house fire on Monday.On October 17 at 2 p.m., OPP and Kingsville Fire Department were called to a house fire in the 1600 block of Division Road in Kingsville.A week-long collaboration began between the Essex County OPP Crime Unit, the OPP Community Drug Action Team, the Regional OPP Drug Enforcement Unit, the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office, the Town of Kingsville Fire Department and Building Department. The collaboration and search warrants executed resulted in the discovery of 25 marijuana plants, 8 grams of cultivated marijuana, a quantity of marijuana seeds, and drug paraphernalia. The items carry a street value of $10,000.“It is comforting to know that these drugs have been removed from the streets and will not be exposed to our loved ones,” said Sergeant Rick Tonial.The residence has been condemned due to the combination of fire and "grow-op" damage.The sole owner of the residence, Donald FAATZ (45 years old) of Kingsville, has been charged with the following offences:
Possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking – section 5 (2) Controlled Drug + Substance Act
Cultivation of marijuana – section 7(1) – Controlled Drug and Substance Act
Occupant- Injuring a Building – section 441 – Criminal Code of Canada.
The Ontario Fire Marshall is still investigating the fire.
