Marijuana Grow Operation Discovered After Dispute Between Neighbors

CALEDONIA -- Police were called to the home of a Caledonia man accused of making lewd threats to his neighbor on Facebook, only to discover a marijuana grow operation.

According to the Racine County Eye, Michael Bernhardt, 47, had been repeatedly harassing his neighbor on Facebook including trying to add her as a Facebook friend, posting photos of her family and making lewd comments about them, including accusing his neighbor of having sex with him.

Berndardt's neighbor says she feared for the safety of her family and herself so she reported his behavior to the Caledonia Police.

When police arrived to investigate, Bernhardt opened the garage door wearing only his bathrobe. When police went inside with him so he could retrieve some pants they spotted a marijuana grow operation in the basement. Once a search warrant was obtained their discoveries included 23 marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia, and dried marijuana throughout the residence.

Bernhardt was charged by the Racine County District Attorney's Office with using his computer to make a threatening or obscene message, disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver near a school, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

If convicted of all charges Bernhardt faces up to 36 years in prison and fines up to $37,500 because he is being charged as a repeat offender.