Kansas man accused of growing marijuana in city park indicted in federal court

A southeast Kansas man, accused of growing marijuana in a city park and trying to avoid arrest by leading authorities on a boat chase last September, was indicted Tuesday on federal drug and firearm charges.

Scott Joseph Skibo, 54, of Chetopa, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas said in a news release.

The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 18, 2017 when KBI agents, Chetopa police officers and deputies with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office found at least 50 marijuana plants belonging to Skibo on an island in Elmore Park, which is located within the Chetopa city limits. Authorities also said Skibo had with him a .40 caliber Glock 22 handgun.

Skibo had tried to flee on the Neosho River in a boat when he saw law enforcement approaching the grow site, but police caught up with him in their own boat a few hundred yards down the river. He was arrested that day.

If he’s convicted, Skibo could face at least five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge as well as up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana charge.

This story was originally published January 30, 2018 at 6:15 PM with the headline "Kansas man accused of growing marijuana in city park indicted in federal court."