May 21, 2025
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Riepe, Swietlik charged after Creston Police discover basement grow operation

Afton Police Chief Jake McGuire, left, and Creston Police Officer Shannon Arends watch K9 Jax for indications of the presence of drugs just after 12 p.m. Friday on the porch of a residence, 601N. Oak St. Aaron James Riepe, 39, and Jessica Renee Swietlik, 32, 601 N. Oak St. were each charged with possession with intent to sell marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture marijuana, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, and two counts of child neglect 9:10 a.m. Friday at their residence. According to a Creston Police report, officers were dispatched to the residence on a domestic issue. Upon arrival, officers observed the odor of marijuana coming from the home. Officers also observed to juvenile children, ages 6 and 1, who had access to illegal narcotics at the residence. Swietlik admitting to smoking marijuana with Riepe in front of the two juveniles. Officers then obtained a search warrant after Swietlik stated there is a marijuana grow operation in the basement. During their investigation, officers found a "large" amount of marijuana and counted 51 plants and other marijuana growing equipment in the basement. More marijuana was found upstairs in the defendant's bedrooms. Riepe was being held on $19,000 bond and Swietlik was released on $5,000 bond. (CNA photo)

Aaron James Riepe, 39, and Jessica Renee Swietlik, 32, 601 N. Oak St. were each charged with possession with intent to sell marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture marijuana, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, and two counts of child neglect 9:10 a.m. Friday at their residence.

According to a Creston Police report, officers were dispatched to the residence on a domestic issue. Upon arrival, officers observed the odor of marijuana coming from the home. Officers also observed two juvenile children, ages 6 and 1, who had access to illegal narcotics at the residence. Swietlik admitting to smoking marijuana with Riepe in front of the two juveniles. Officers then obtained a search warrant after Swietlik stated there is a marijuana grow operation in the basement. During their investigation, officers found a "large" amount of marijuana and counted 51 plants and other marijuana growing equipment in the basement. More marijuana was found upstairs in the defendant's bedrooms.

Riepe was being held on $19,000 bond and Swietlik was released on $5,000 bond.