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Police find pot plants after domestic violence arrest

 
Published May 27, 2013

TAMPA — A woman who says she was beaten by her husband might have gotten the last laugh when she revealed to police her husband's pot-growing operation.

Tampa police responding to the couple's South Tampa home late Saturday said they found two marijuana plants growing in a hallway closet after the man's wife gave them consent to search the house.

According to reports, she directed investigators to the plants, as well as to chemicals, lights and a fan to help in their cultivation.

In addition to being charged with battery domestic violence, Stephen P. Burton, of 3911 W Iowa Ave., was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and manufacture of cannabis. When police searched him, they found a pipe with marijuana residue.

Police said Burton's mother witnessed the attack and called 911.

Burton, who turns 28 today, had argued with his wife, struck her several times and slammed her head into a door, police said.

Burton was previously charged with driving with a cancelled, suspended or revoked license.

On Sunday, he was being held without bail at the Hillsborough County Jail.

Rich Shopes can be reached at rshopes@tampabay.com or (813) 661-2454.