More charges in fugitive case

WINSTED — The man accused of harboring a fugitive in Winchester last month has been arrested again on charges of cultivating marijuana.

Jason Collins, 28, of 339 Roosevelt Trail in Winchester was arrested on a warrant May 24 for illegal cultivation of cannabis, possession of more than 4 ounces of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia after having been charged last month with aiding fugitive Brody James Whitaker, who led police on an interstate manhunt after allegedly shooting at state troopers in Florida.

Police said Collins had nearly 12 ounces of marijuana and 76 marijuana plants stored at his home, along with digital scales, grinders, lights and other drug paraphernalia. Collins’ home was searched April 7 after Whitaker was caught on the property by state troopers. Investigators reported that cannabis and paraphernalia were plainly visible at the residence.

Collins and his uncle, 54-year-old Francis Collins of Sutton, N.H., were arrested in connection with the Whitaker case, as were two women, Stefania Delessio of Mount Washington, Mass., and Yvonne Clark of Fenton, Mich.

Capping off last month’s manhunt, Whitaker was seen jumping from a second-floor window at Collins’ home and attempting to flee into the woods before he was apprehended. More than 50 local, state and federal officers participated in the pursuit. Whitaker was charged as a fugitive from justice and for carrying drug paraphernalia.

In court last month, Whitaker claimed sovereignty and invoked his right to an extradition hearing. Judicial marshals reported that he said he was the “grandson of God.�

He was held on a $1 million bond pending extradition to Florida, where he is wanted on charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempt to elude, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.

In his latest court appearance May 24, Collins was ordered held on a $10,000 bond, making his total bond $160,000. He is expected to appear again in court June 8.

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