Pediatrician Shocks Officials After Firefighters Find Marijuana Growing Out Of Home
HOLLAND, P.A., (CBS) – A pediatrician is facing charges tonight for allegedly growing marijuana out of his Bucks County home. This startling discovery, made by firefighters, has a local doctor in trouble with the police.
A charred car and home in Brookside Drive in Holland is what led police to a startling find. 40 pot plants and an elaborate growing operation inside the home of a pediatrician and rehabilitation center doctor.
"One of the firefighters, while doing a room to room search found two rooms that had been converted for the purpose of growing marijuana," said Charles Pinkerton.
"There were ventilation systems, grow lights, heat warming pads, in addition to that numerous gardening equipment," he said.
Police say 65-year-old Dr. Jan Widerman, whose office is on Bustleton Ave. in Philadelphia, is charged with the growing and distribution of pot plants, after the fire department found two growing rooms in his garage. Two weeks ago fire fighters were called to his house after a car caught fire in the driveway and spread to the home.
"He is a doctor's doctor," said Louis Busico, Widerman's attorney. "He is there for his patients 24/7. He treats them both medically and holistically. He treats the whole person. People love him."
Busico says he needs to review the evidence, but the doctor has been practicing for years without a blemish on his record and will have his day in court.
Widerman's wife is also facing charges. Police says the doctor is a danger to the community and is now questioning what the large growing operation was for. They say it could lead to a loss of license.
"Certainly one of the puzzling things is why is this much marijuana being grown in the home of a pediatrician," said Pinkerton.