(Updated 3:35 p.m.) Police: Burglary Investigation Leads to Drug Factory Discovery

(Updated Wednesday, 3:35 p.m.)
A investigation into a December burglary has led to the arrest of a Wheeler Village Drive woman that police said was allegedly in possession of more than seven pounds of marijuana and had been "operating a drug factory" out of her home.

Carrie Fitzpatrick, of 100 Wheeler Drive, was taken into custody after discovering the marijuana while investigating a theft that took place at her home on Dec. 20, 2011, police said.

Fitzpatrick, 36, was booked on charges of possession of over one kilogram of marijuana, possession of more than four ounces of marijuana, possession with the intent to sell, possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a drug factory and risk of injury to minors. She was released after posting a $100,000 bond, police said.

Sgt. Lowell DePalma said the discovery was made following a burglary investigation in December when officers responded to the home after a 911 hang up call.

"The home had been broken into as was shown by a broke glass door," DePalma said. "While officers were going through the house to make sure the burglar wasn't inside, they found evidence that there was marijuana inside the house."

The call had been made by Fitzpatrick's daughter after she discovered the broken door when returning from school. Fitzpatrick was not there when the initial discovery was made, but arrived before officers did according to a police report.

DePalma said detectives were notified of the discovery and were later able to obtain a search warrant for the home. When they served the warrant, officers discovered 7.5 pouds of marijuana which was already packaged and labeled with prices for sale, police said.

Police said the marijuana holds a street value of $42,000. Detectives later discovered additional items in the home including scales and packaging materials, as well as $1,600 in cash.

Fitzpatrick is scheduled to appear in Bristol Superior Court for arraignment on Jan. 23, according to court records.