News update:

Three charged following

search of residence

and discovery of

seven pounds of marijuana
By Melanie Davis, staff writer

A tip to the Watauga County Crime Stoppers led to a search warrant of a residence on 289 Rocky Creek Road in Boone on Friday. Officers discovered more than seven pounds of marijuana, scales for weighing, assorted paraphernalia and $590 in cash.

The three residents, a couple and their adult daughter, were charged on Wednesday. Wendy Michelle Scharns, 30, was charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and/or deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, and manufacturing marijuana.

Judi Scharns, 55, and Scott Scharns, 53, were each charged felony possession of marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for purposes related to a controlled substance.

All three are scheduled to appear in district court on April 1. Bond was set and has been posted in the amounts of $10,000 secured for Wendy Scharns, and $4,000 secured each for Judi and Scott Scharns. The Scharns' posted bond at the magistrate's office at the time of their arrest and were not placed in the detention center.

Authorities allege the marijuana seized is alleged to have been recently harvested from a growing cycle. The street value is estimated at $28,000.

A representative of the Watauga County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Division said this drug seizure and arrests underscore the value of the local crime-stopper organization. To report a crime, anonymously, contact Watauga County Crime Stoppers at (828) 264-4555.

Scott and Judi Scharns do not have previous records of arrests in Watauga County. Wendy Scharns was scheduled to appear in district court on March 6 to face previous charges of felony possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, two counts of misdemeanor simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana greater than one half ounce, but less than one and one half ounces, two counts of possession of paraphernalia, and misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Wendy Scharns has also recently completed a probation sentence for a 2002 conviction of possession of a schedule I controlled substance.