Hernando home invasion investigation turns to drug bust

BROOKSVILLE — What began as a home invasion investigation early Monday ended with drug charges for the people who called for help, authorities said.

Deputies responding around 2:40 a.m. to 27127 Thorncrest Ave. in the Hill 'n Dale subdivision smelled burning marijuana and noticed drugs scattered throughout the home, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office said. The people in the house were uncooperative with detectives, refusing to provide information about the alleged home invasion, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.

But the occupants consented to a search. Police found 27 grams of marijuana, 34 grams of mushrooms, three tablets of alprazolam, two bottles of steroids and various pieces of drug paraphernalia. Detectives also seized a rifle, a shotgun, two pistols and $439 in cash.

Matthew Koenen, 22, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Rachel Minjarez, 21, was charged with possession of alprazolam. Thomas Eastham, 20, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of alprazolam and possession of drug paraphernalia. All three remained in the Hernando County Detention Center on Monday in lieu of bail, records show.