Birnamwood man charged in alleged marijuana operation

A Birnamwood man is facing felony drug charges after authorities allegedly found a marijuana growing operation in his home Friday. Curtis J. Jensen, 29, was charged Monday with manufacture and delivery of marijuana, maintaining a drug trafficking place and second or subsequent possession of marijuana. Each of the charges carries a maximum possible penalty of 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department received a tip about the operation on Thursday and executed a search warrant the next day, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint states authorities discovered a room that has been constructed beneath the stairs leading to the basement and hidden by a piece of drywall. Authorities seized 37 marijuana plants, according to the criminal complaint, along with grow lights, potting soil, fertilizer, a vent and tubing used for an exhaust, and various drug paraphernalia. Jensen posted a $500 cash bond and is due back in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing Tuesday.