From: TCPalm.com
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL -- Former attorney Richard T. Kozek might have skated for nearly five years, but the dozens of marijuana plants found at his Port St. Lucie home finally caught up to him in St. Mary’s County, Md., according to recently released records.
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s investigators in February 2005 got warrants for Kozek, a 42-year-old attorney at the time, after they said they discovered at least 40 pot plants, 20 pounds of marijuana, two loaded handguns and a variety of growing equipment at his home in the 7500 block of Bobcat Run.
Investigators said they went to the residence after getting a tip that Kozek was farming marijuana in the structure, east of U.S. 1 near Prima Vista Boulevard.
Investigators said they smelled pot when they pulled up and also noted a “very strong odor” of marijuana coming through the open front door. Kozek came to the door after the deputies knocked, immediately stepping outside and shutting the door behind him.
Kozek refused to allow deputies to look inside the home without a warrant and left while investigators obtained one, they said.
Sheriff’s officials said they found 30 pot plants growing in a bedroom and more marijuana in shipping containers behind the residence, in addition to pot elsewhere.
Kozek, who was disbarred following the search, came to the attention of authorities in Maryland early last month following an argument at a marina with a 45-year-old man with a cast on his leg, records show.
The man, who records noted had experienced prior problems with Kozek’s dog, uses crutches to walk. Kozek began arguing with him and knocked him to the ground, records state.
The man’s friend separated them. Kozek waved a long-handled ax at the man before the man and his friend drove away, records state.
Investigators in Maryland arrested Kozek. who gave authorities said gave them a bogus name, but they determined his identity through fingerprints, which were sent to the FBI.
Kozek was charged with a variety of crimes in Maryland, and was booked into the St. Lucie County jail Oct. 28 on charges including cultivation of marijuana and trafficking in marijuana.
He was released two days later on $250,000 bail, a jail official said.
