Two indicted for allegedly growing marijuana on public land

by Madeleine Baran, Minnesota Public Radio

Aitkin County — A federal grand jury has indicted two men for allegedly growing 428 marijuana plants on Aitkin County land.

Nathan Daniel Bassett, 34, and his brother, Tytus Ahtushmit Bassett, 31, allegedly maintained the marijuana operation since this spring. They were arrested on Sept. 17 at the grow site.

The defendants have been charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of maintenance of drug-involved premises.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the conspiracy and possession counts and 20 years on the maintenance count.