Man reports robbery, ends up arrested for growing marijuana

IOWA CITY - An Iowa City man was arrested Wednesday night after police found the remains of a marijuana grow in his residence.

According to criminal complaints, officers responded to 430 Ronalds Street around 3 p.m. for a report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the resident, 30-year-old Jason E. Kenjar, who said an unknown person had entered his home and was possibly in the basement.

Kenjar told police he he had grabbed his hand gun and yelled at the alleged burglar. Police said Kenjar also admitted to discharging the weapon inside of the residence.

When police went to check the basement, they did not find the alleged burglar, but instead found the remains of a marijuana grow. Officers asked Kenjar for consent to search the residence, but were denied. Police were then able to obtain a search warrant.

After searching the residence, police allegedly found approximately 109 grams of marijuana, an undisclosed amount of ecstasy, and four prescription pills that were identified as acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Police said Kenjar admitted to growing the marijuana two weeks ago, but then changed his story and denied growing it. Kenjar did not have a prescription for the pills officers found.

Kenjar was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and failure to affix a tax stamp, both felonies. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance for the ecstasy and unlawful possession of a prescription drug, both misdemeanors.

He is currently being held in Johnson County Jail.