State v. Ridgway

Dean Ridgway appeals a conviction of possession of marijuana with intent to manufacture or deliver (RCW 69.50.401(a)), assigning error to the trial court's failure to suppress evidence seized in a search of his home. Ridgway contends that the warrant was based on illegally obtained evidence of probable cause. We reverse.

Robert Barrie, a Jefferson County deputy tax assessor, went on Ridgway's property in the course of his official duties. He saw plants that he believed were marijuana, and he later returned and shot a photo and gave it to Sheriff's Deputies Piccini and Sukert. The deputies…