Pike County Sheriff Stephen Korte and Louisiana Police
Chief Rich Hughes release the following information in reference to a recent
arrest made by the Pike County Drug Enforcement Team.

 On August 25, Pike County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched
to 33860 Pike 9211 in reference to a neighbor dispute. During the
investigation, officers were alerted to the presence of marijuana plants that
were being cultivated behind the residence at 33860 Pike 9211. Those on scene
alerted the Pike County Drug Enforcement Team. Deputies and members of the Pike
County Drug Enforcement Team arrested William Scott Kennedy, 56, of Elsberry
for producing a controlled substance.

 A subsequent search warrant was applied for and later
issued by Judge David Ash. The search warrant was executed in the early morning
on August 26. Approximately nine bags of marijuana were found individually
packaged and ready for distribution. A processed marijuana plant and marijuana
plants hanging to dry were also located within the residence. Twenty-eight
marijuana plants were located growing behind the residence. Over a pound of processed
and packaged marijuana was discovered during the execution of the search
warrant.

Pike County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Fisher has charged
Kennedy with a Class B Felony of Producing a Controlled Substance, a Class B
Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance with The Intent to Distribute,
and a Class C Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Judge David Ash
set Kennedy’s bond at $35,000 cash only.  On Monday, Kennedy was granted 10 percent cash or surety on
the $35,000 and posted the same day.

The Pike County Drug Enforcement
Team has filed a request that Kennedy’s property be forfeited.  Pike County Prosecuting Attorney Make Fisher
has filed a petition with the court to seize Kennedy’s property. If the court
rules in favor of the state, the proceeds from Kennedy’s residence will be
forfeited to the school districts of Pike County.

All persons charged with a crime
are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.