Deputies Arrest Man Wanted in Germany, Find Grow Operation

A 27-year-old Groveport man is facing drug charges after investigators reported finding a marijuana grow project that he was allegedly conducting from his home in southeast Franklin County.

Anthony L. Gurden was arrested by Franklin County Sheriff's deputies and the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) on a federal arrest warrant for
aggravated robbery. Gurden was arrested at his home in the 3900 block of Three Rivers Drive.

During the arrest, investigators reported locating a grow operation.

A search warrant was obtained and the residence was searched by the Franklin County Drug Task Force. Detectives reported finding a large grow operation consisting of approximately 50 large, mature marijuana plants and equipment used to manufacture Marijuana Hash Oil.

Detectives also reported finding two assault rifles, a 12-Gauge shotgun, several pounds of dried marijuana, Hash Oil butter, and Butane-Extracted Hash Oil.

Gurden has been charged with felony cultivation of marijuana. He is expected to be charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, firearms specifications, and possession of drugs, according to the sheriff's office.

Through further investigation, it was learned that Gurden was wanted for a robbery that occurred in Germany.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Gurden, 27 was wanted on charges stemming from a 2011 incident where Gurden and an accomplice are accused of robbing two men at gunpoint.

Gurden was charged in a German court with robbery in December of 2012.

Gurden is in custody awaiting an extradition hearing.

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