KEARNS — A sophisticated marijuana-growing operation inside a home with deplorable living conditions, including feces covering the floor, was raided Monday by narcotics detectives from the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.
"The feces smell masked the marijuana smell, which is not easy to do," said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson.
As many as 50 marijuana plants in various growing stages were found in the basement of the house near 5300 South and 4400 West. Some plants were 5 feet to 6 feet tall, Hutson said.
A 14-year-old girl who lived in the home was taken into protective custody. Until recently, investigators said an elderly woman also lived in the house.
The marijuana was cultivated in a room with a hydroponic, or water-based, growing system and expensive lights, Hutson said.
The rest of the house, however, was full of garbage, and cat and dog feces. Undercover narcotics detectives who entered the home with a search warrant reported having respiratory problems, so the Unified Fire Authority's hazardous materials team was called, as was as the health department, which later condemned the house.
There were holes in the wall for ventilation and exposed wires that were used to rig the equipment needed for marijuana growing, Hutson said. There was also mold as well as garbage in nearly every room, he said.
Despite the large growing operation, neighbors said they didn't see the typical short-term heavy traffic that is common with a drug home.
"I was shocked," said next-door neighbor Marilyn Davis when she learned about the raid. "They brought me some cookies for Christmas."
Detectives believe the couple growing the marijuana sold most of it elsewhere, which is possibly why it didn't get much attention from neighbors, Hutson said.
Police arrested Frank Terhaar, 51, and his 31-year-old wife, Michelle Hank. Both were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of child endangerment, drug possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and weapons possession by a restricted person. Because of the weapons charges, Hutson said, possible federal charges will be considered.
Up until two months ago, Hank's elderly mother also lived with the family. She was recently moved to a care center.
Neighbors said they did not believe Terhaar had a regular job.
In July, Terhaar took a plea in abeyance for a charge of child abuse with physical injury, which was amended from a class A misdemeanor to a class B misdemeanor, according to state court records. Sheriff's deputies say Terhaar was hitting a child in the front yard of his home. It was unclear if it was the same girl who lived in the house.
Two large Boxer dogs also were removed from the house.
Hutson said the bust was the result of an investigation that began several weeks ago.
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