Hancock man facing drug, domestic assault charges

A Hancock man faces charges related to an incident that began with a domestic disturbance investigation and culminated in an arrest for drug possession.

Chad William Goldenstein, 28, was charged Tuesday in Stevens County District Court with fifth degree drug possession, interfering with an emergency telephone call and misdemeanor domestic assault.

Goldenstein was arrested by law enforcement on Jan. 8 at a residence in Hancock.

Hancock Police Chief Don Heikkinen said in a statement that law enforcement was dispatched to a alleged domestic disturbance in Hancock on Saturday evening. While investigating the alleged incident, law enforcement discovered a marijuana growing operation in the basement of the residence. A search warrant was executed and marijuana plants and processed marijuana were seized, according to Heikkinen's statement.

More than 14 pounds of marijuana, with a street value estimated between $75,000 and $100,000, was seized.

Also seized were fluorescent grow lights, plant fertilizer, potting soil, packaging material and drug paraphernalia. A large quantity of cash was seized, according to Heikkinen's statement.

Fifth-degree drug possession carries penalties of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Interfering with an emergency telephone call carries a penalty of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine, and the misdemeanor domestic assault charge carries penalties of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

The Stevens County Sheriff's Department assisted in the investigation.