VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) – Authorities discovered a marijuana grow operation as they were attempting to serve an outstanding warrant at a residence on Pine Street in Oil City, Venango County.
(Pictured above: Joel S. Rinker, Jr. and Gaven James Rinker)
According to Oil City Police Department, while assisting troopers of the Pennsylvania State Police Franklin barracks in an attempt to serve an outstanding arrest warrant for assault charges against Gaven Rinker, at 208 Pine Street in Oil City, agents of the Venango Co. Court Supervision services discovered a marijuana growing operation.
Troopers and officers were met at the door of the Pine Street residence by 23-year-old Joel S. Rinker, Jr. (Gaven Rinker’s cousin), who denied that Gaven Rinker was inside his home — contrary to recent information obtained by officers. Joel Rinker refused to allow officers to search for the suspect. Joel Rinker, Jr., was known to be on supervision with Venango Co. Court Supervision Services, and they were contacted to respond.
When supervising agents arrived on the scene, they conducted a search of the home for Gaven Rinker. Although the suspect was not found inside the residence, agents discovered a marijuana growing operation in the third floor attic. Agents returned to officers who were standing by outside the home, informing them of what was discovered. At that time, officers from the Oil City Police Department were escorted by agents to the grow operation. Officers seized the suspected marijuana plants and dismantled the grow operation.
Joel Rinker, Jr. was subsequently transported to the Venango County Jail and committed on a detainer issued by Venango County Court Supervision Services.
He was arraigned before District Justice Patrick Lowry via video at 11:45 p.m. on the following charges:
– Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony (three counts)
– Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered, Felony (three counts)
– Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor (three counts)
Unable to post $25,000.00 monetary bail, he remains lodged in the Venango County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on June 21 in Venango County Central Court.
Joel Rinker is also facing charges related to case involving aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter from a July 7, 2016 incident.
That case is working its way through the court system.
Gavin Rinker Taken into Custody
Court documents indicate that Gavin James Rinker, of Franklin — wanted on strangulation and simple assault charges — was taken into custody by Franklin-based State Police.
According to court documents, he was arraigned in Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey’s office on the following charges:
– Strangulation — Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck, Felony 2
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
Unable to post $50,000.00 monetary bail, Rinker was lodged in the Venango County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on June 21 with Judge Lowrey presiding.
Details of the Strangulation Case
According to a criminal complaint, around 6:15 p.m. on June 10, a known woman arrived at the Franklin-based State Police barracks to report an assault involving her 19-year-old step-daughter. She reported that 21-year-old Gaven Rinker, assaulted her around 12:00 p.m. earlier that day.
The complaint states that the known woman received a text message from the victim advising her that Gaven Rinker physically assaulted her. She shared the text message and photos on her phone with state police. State police observed photos of the victim’s injuries to her lip, neck, arm, back, and leg.
The complaint indicates that around 7:00 p.m. on June 10, state police were unable to contact Gaven Rinker at his residence.
State police contacted a witness who stated that she heard yelling from outside and indicated that some kind of altercation was occurring between the victim and Gaven Rinker, but she did not see either one strike the other.
Around 7:30 p.m. on June 10, state police contacted the victim at her residence, and she stated that around 12:00 p.m. on June 10, she showed up at Gaven Rinker’s residence at 147 Pear Street in Cranberry Township. After her arrival, an altercation ensued, and Rinker grabbed her by the throat/neck and put her in a headlock. Rinker also struck her several times. State police observed injuries to the victim’s lip, arm, neck, back, and leg. The victim’s lip was cut, according to the complaint.
Around 9:00 p.m. on June 10, state police spoke with Rinker on the phone. Rinker advised that he was in the Titusville area, but he did not provide a specific location. He was advised to come to the Franklin State Police barracks as soon as possible, the complaint continues.
In a separate incident, Gaven Rinker will be sentenced on June 26 on a felony drug conviction from an October 2016 case. He pleaded guilty to one count of the manufacture, delivery, or possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver.
RELATED:
Police Searching for Cranberry Township Man Wanted on Strangulation Charges
Oil City Man to be Sentenced on Felony Drug Conviction
Oil City Man Charged in Deadly Assault
Oil City Man Faces Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop
Oil City Man Allegedly Punches Victim to Unconsciousness, Drags Him Across Street
Oil City Teen Awaiting Preliminary Hearing on Theft Charges
Teens Charged with Alleged Drug Possession, One Arrested on Outstanding Warrants
