Ocracoke Man Arrested for Cultivating Marijuana on Federal Property.

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that JAMES DANIEL GARRISH, III was arrested today, July 10, 2018.

GARRISH was named in an Indictment filed on May 2, 2018, charging him with cultivating marijuana on federal property, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. If convicted of that charge, he would face a maximum term of 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  Additionally, GARRISH was charged with introducing plants into the park ecosystem, littering, trespassing, and defacing and damaging real property.  Each of these charges carries up to 6 months’ imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, up to one year supervised release, and/or up to 5 years’ probation.

Mr. Higdon stated: “Criminal acts which blemish the beauty of our public seashore and the safety of its visitors will not be ignored,” and he reinforced the committment of his office to partnering with all law enforcement agencies in the Eastern District of North Carolina to keep its communities safe.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigation of this case is being conducted by the National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Smith is representing the government.