By Joe Bachman
Editor

NEKOOSA — A Wisconsin Rapids man faces multiple drug charges after a police search warrant led to the discovery of various illegal substances and drug paraphernalia.

According to police reports, on Oct. 9, a search warrant was carried out at a residence on the 100 block of Crestview Ln. in Nekoosa. After attempting to gain entry through knocking on the door, but with no answer, officers rammed the door down to gain entry.

Several people were reported inside the residence, including a 3-year-old girl. Police immediately found marijuana and drug paraphernalia out in the open in the living room. Officers soon headed to the basement of the residence, where they made contact with 35-year-old Earl Poe, who was in the process of placing a plastic bag in his pants.

Police grabbed the bag, which contained a baggie later confirmed to hold 2.4 grams of cocaine. Also located was another baggie containing 7.1 grams of marijuana, and 13 1mg Clonazepam pills, a schedule IV narcotic. Poe would allegedly later admit that he sells prescription drugs at times.

Reports pointed out that these drugs, located in various parts of the residence, were easily accessible to children. According to police, the basement bathroom was soiled with old feces, and the toilet appeared to be inoperable. Reports also stated that multiple children appeared to be living in the residence, though no beds were found for any of them.

Speaking of beds, police also found codeine under Poe’s bed, a schedule II narcotic. One defendant inside the residence told officers that Poe lives in the basement with his two children. He would later admit that the marijuana, cocaine and pills were his. Text messages retrieved from Poe’s phone would reveal unknown parties asking for “green and whites”, meaning marijuana and cocaine.

Poe admits to selling marijuana and pills, but denied the allegation of selling cocaine.

If convicted, Poe faces up to 30 years imprisonment and up to $75,000 in fines for charges of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of narcotics and marijuana, bail jumping, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and child neglect.

His next court date is set for Nov. 2. Two other defendants inside the residence will be charged with misdemeanor drug offenses.