Monmouth County Mom and Teen Son Arrested for Growing Pot

A Monmouth County mom and her 16-year-old son face charges after Ocean Township Police discover a marijuana growing operation in the teen's bedroom. Detective Lieutenant Kevin Faller said officers responding to reports of terroristic threats by the teen during an argument, made the discovery Monday in their Bendermere Avenue home.

Faller said Detectives Michael Legg and Jessie Orback recovered a planter with soil used to cultivate marijuana, a large heat source suspended over the planter by a cardboard box, marijuana seeds and five additional light bulbs. Investigating officers also seized a glass pipe used to smoke marijuana.

Police also learned that Shannon Burd, age 38, who is the teen's mom, not only knew about the marijuana growing operation but actively participated in it. Burd was arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on a summons and awaits a future court hearing.

The teen was taken into protective custody and charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed with a family member and his case has been forwarded to the Monmouth County Superior Court's Family Division for disposition.