WASSP unravels Swoope pair’s drug operations

Authorities observed the single story ranch-style house for hours. They even sent someone to the inside.

For their work, WASSP drug task force officers found a jungle of marijuana plants that they say a married couple tended in their Buffalo Branch Lane house in Swoope, according to court records.

An Augusta County grand jury indicted the pair this week.

Deputies with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Vance Crummett, 54, and Karen Eckard Crummett, 49, on charges they sold marijuana.

William Crummett also faces charges for manufacturing the drug, as well as possessing a firearm while in possession of drugs.

On May 6, task force Sgt. Josh A. Sholes searched the Crummett’s home, finding almost 90 marijuana plants, packed plastic baggies, a hydroponic growing system, pipes, scales and a copy of “High Times” magazine, according to a search warrant.

Sholes also found a Star semi-automatic handgun and a Tanfoglio revolver, according to court records.

Deputies obtained the search warrant after an informant entered the house with William Crummett and saw the large amount of marijuana he was growing, court records state.

The informant also saw Crummett sell the drugs, according to the warrant.

Karen Crummett is scheduled to face a judge Nov. 9. Her husband’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 5.