Tip leads to marijuana raid, arrest

COLUMBIA — A Columbia man was arrested Monday afternoon after sheriff’s deputies found a large marijuana plant, several bags of marijuana totaling more than 400 grams and drug paraphernalia in his northeast Columbia residence, the Boone County Sheriff’s Department said.

Alan M. Nichols, 24, was arrested on suspicion of possession with the intent to distribute more than 35 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of first-degree child endangerment, according to a Sheriff’s Department news release.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to an anonymous tip and could smell the odor of marijuana from outside the residence, Sgt. Mike Krohn said.

Three children were in the home when the deputies arrived, Krohn said.

Nichols is being held at the Boone County Jail.

Nichols pleaded guilty in 2001 to charges of stealing and resisting arrest and in 2000 to unlawful use of a weapon, according to Missouricase.net. He was given suspended sentences and completed probation.