All charges against a Sharon man who police said tried unsuccessfully to destroy nine marijuana plants by flushing them down a toilet were held to Mercer County Common Pleas Court Thursday after he appeared before District Justice James E. McMahon, Sharon.

James D. Pugh, 31, of 490 Ormond Ave., Apartment 22, was charged Dec. 18 with manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and tampering with physical evidence.

Sharon Patrolman Jeffrey Wiscott said police were called to Pugh's apartment on an animal complaint but did not find a dog.

While in the building two tenants told police that they had seen and heard drug activity taking place in the building between Pugh and another man.

Police learned there was a warrant out for Pugh for failure to appear at McMahon's office for a citation and that he is on parole.

Wiscott gave the following testimony:

Police went back to Pugh's apartment, knocked on the door and identified themselves when someone asked who it was. No one opened the door and police told those inside that they could open the door themselves or police could get a parole officer to open the door.

Pugh let police in and they saw an open plastic bowl containing marijuana on the coffee table. Pugh was told about the drug complaints and police asked to search the apartment.

Police asked to search the apartment again. Pugh read and signed a consent form and told police all they would find is "some residue."

Police found evidence marijuana was growing in the apartment such as pots filled with soil, aluminum sheeting, grow lamps and extension cords.

After seeing a trail of dirt leading into the bathroom, Wiscott said he saw a marijuana leaf floating in the toilet. Wiscott said he donned rubber gloves and reached into the toilet where he found the marijuana plants caught in the drain.

Pugh was taken to the Sharon police station where he said the plants were his and signed a confession.

Police told Pugh he shouldn't make a statement because of his parole status, Wiscott said.

Pugh is in Mercer County Jail on $5,000 bond. McMahon said Pugh could get out on work release if he's eligible.