Alleged Psilocybin Mushroom Operation Shut Down

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Members of the Randolph County Sheriff's Office Municipal Task Force began an investigation recently of an alleged psilocybin mushroom growing operation at 7911 Gemini Court, Sparta, Illinois. The task force allegedly purchased cannabis and alleged psilocybin mushrooms from the residence.

On Monday, agents executed a search warrant at 7911 Gemini Court in Sparta. Agents seized alleged Psilocybin mushrooms, cash, cannabis, various drug paraphernalia, syringes with alleged psilocybin mushroom spores, 60 quart jars of alleged growing psilocybin mushroom spores, nine pans of alleged psilocybin mushroom spores in pan w/ coconut growing medium, a dehydrator, and psilocybin mushroom growing equipment including coconut growing medium, pans, and a tote used as growing chambers.

Agents arrested Walter W. Steiner, age 26, of Sparta. Steiner is charged with unlawful delivery of cannabis, 10 to 30 grams, a class 4 Felony, and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, Psilocybin, a Class 3 felony. Steiner was incarcerated until bond could be set.

Agents also arrested Craig Bahre, age 26 of Sparta and Thomas J. Patton, age 23 of Sparta for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. They were released on notice to appear citations. The investigation continues.