Nathaniel Shuda

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

A 43-year-old Winneconne man faces a felony drug charge after taking a deputy on a tour of his in-home marijuana-growing operation.

Shannon L. Boushley was charged Thursday in Winnebago County Circuit Court with one count of manufacturing or delivering 1,000 grams to 2,500 grams of marijuana and one misdemeanor count of drug paraphernalia possession.

According to the criminal complaint, a Winnebago County sheriff's deputy went to check on Boushley Feb. 9 at his home in the 6500 block of Woodview Road in the town of Winneconne after one of his neighbors reported not having seen him for several days.

When Boushley opened the door, the deputy smelled marijuana, according to the complaint. Boushley then let the deputy into his home, saying he had some marijuana in his living room and bedroom and took her through the house, showing her his marijuana. The deputy jokingly asked Boushley if he had a marijuana-growing operation. Boushley hung his head and said yes.

Boushley then led the deputy to the basement and showed her numerous marijuana plants, according to the complaint. He said he'd started growing the plants after New Year's the previous year but only grew it for personal use and for his cousin who has Lyme disease.

If convicted, Boushley could face a maximum sentence of 10 years, one month in prison. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 6.

Reach Nathaniel Shuda at 920-426-6632 or nshuda@thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @onwnshuda.