Chatham-Kent crow cull organizer Richard Erickson of Fletcher was charged Sunday by the Chatham-Kent Police Service with possession of marijuana and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Erickson said he turned over two marijuana cigarettes and a butterfly knife, which had been given to him as a gift years ago, to police during a raid of his home earlier this month by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Police accompanied the MNR during the early morning raid.
Erickson is scheduled to appear in court April 6.
The MNR seized two shotguns and several boxes of shotgun shells during the raid. According to the MNR, its investigation is still ongoing and so far no charges have been laid.
Meantime, although the Kent Presbytery of the United Church of Canada has decided not to take a position on whether a crow cull is warranted in Chatham-Kent, it is looking for answers.
"We are concerned about the many conflicting reports we have heard about what is actually going on," said Rev. David Steadman of Charing Cross, secretary for the presbytery, in a Feb. 15 letter to council.
"As a presbytery, we are asking you to report accurately and honestly about what action has been taken, who has taken it and what measurable results have been achieved.
Steadman said it is affirmed in the United Church Creed that "God called us to live with respect in creation.
"We encourage the Chatham Kent council to consider this calling in dealing with the present situation. In light of this, we also ask that you report on whether the policies adopted to handle the crow situation are the most effective and appropriate availiable to this community."