After receiving information from a citizen that drug paraphernalia might be located at an abandoned barn in a rural area near Roberts Road south of Franklinton, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force detectives investigated and discovered a significant amount of paraphernalia, according to WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley.

While at the barn, detectives encountered a nearby resident who denied any knowledge of the paraphernalia. In an effort to convince the detectives that he was not tied to the barn paraphernalia, the man consented to a search of his nearby residence, stating that he did have some drug paraphernalia inside his house, Haley said.

Haley said that while searching the residence, detectives discovered drug paraphernalia which the resident admitted was his. While searching outside the residence, detectives discovered marijuana plants. The resident initially denied that the marijuana plants were his but later admitted that he regretted planting them, Haley said.

Tyler Lee Robinson, 30, a resident of Roberts Road, was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail on Thursday. As of Monday morning, Robinson remained in the jail, charged with cultivation of Schedule I drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond has been set at $8,000.

Haley said that Robinson has been in the Washington Parish Jail on one previous occasion. On June 9, 2013, he was charged with resisting a police officer with force or violence and criminal trespassing. He was released the same day after posting a $5,000 bond.

“This is another example of the value of a concerned citizen who reported a suspicious circumstance,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “I encourage all of our parish residents to report any unusual or suspicious circumstances to the Sheriff’s Office. As spring and summer rapidly approach, bringing out lawnmowers and all-terrain vehicles, thieves will be looking for easy targets to steal.

“I encourage all residents to always secure their equipment and to immediately report any thefts to our detective division.”