Crime & Safety

After Fatal Accident, Homeowner Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

Authorities said they found marijuana plants in an Ellicott City home after a 20-year-old crashed a car into the house.

An Ellicott City man pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge stemming from a December incident when emergency personnel say they discovered marijuana plants while responding to an accident that left one person dead and the defendant’s house in flames.

Police and fire crews were called to 44-year-old Richard Kyle Marriott's house on Dec. 10 after the driver of a BMW lost control and  at 5109 Montgomery Road. The car ignited, setting the house on fire and killing the driver, 20-year-old , of Elkridge.

Marriott and a friend were inside at the time of the crash but escaped safely.

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Police say fire investigators found marijuana plants while inspecting the house for structural damage. After obtaining a search warrant, police claim to have found an extensive marijuana growing operation including hydroponics, lighting, ventilation, a cultivation area and nearly 20 marijuana plants.

Marriott pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance.  His sentencing is scheduled for July 8, according to court records.

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