Joint Operation: Mayor and Son in Minnesota Charged With Growing Hundreds of Marijuana Plants, Police Say
Scott Robertson (left) and his son Jacob (right) were arrested after officials said they found over 200 marijuana plants allegedly grown by the duo.
Feb. 13 2024, Published 2:01 p.m. ET
A mayor in Minnesota and his son have been arrested after authorities said they allegedly grew hundreds of marijuana plants, exceeding the state’s eight-plant limit for personal growth.
On Feb. 8, Winnebago mayor Scott Robertson, 67, and Jacob Robertson, 46, were arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree cannabis crime — unlawfully cultivates more than 23 cannabis plants; one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree cannabis crime — unlawfully cultivates more than 23 plants; and one count of aiding and abetting first-degree cannabis crime — unlawfully cultivates more than 23 cannabis plants, according to court documents obtained by KAAL-TV.
Officials said the father and son grew 240 plants of what authorities believe is marijuana at three different locations in Winnebago.
Investigators reportedly received an anonymous tip of someone using greenhouses to grow what was suspected to be cannabis.
Police said the Robertsons owned that property and previously used it to grow hemp, but they had not registered a hemp crop since 2021.
According to officials, hemp has to have a THC concentration less than 0.03% for legal growth.
In February 2023, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture performed an inspection but claimed the Roberstons allegedly moved plants out of that address.
In January 2024, police received another anonymous tip again alleging the Robertsons were growing cannabis at the property. Officials claimed they could smell “unburnt” marijuana from the street.
Authorities said they also found 55 plants at a Main Street address, which were reportedly labeled with names of cannabis seed products, like “Frost Kong,” “Lady Kush,” and “LEP Gold.”
Investigators also claimed they found a box of seeds from a cannabis seed supplier, which was addressed to “S. Robertson.”
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Court documents show a notebook listing financial transaction information was also found and indicated partner product splits with total profit of $360,000.
Both men were reportedly booked into the Faribault County Jail.
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