A Utica man was arrested after detectives discovered an illegal mushroom grow in a room hidden behind a bookshelf at the suspect’s home, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. Several weapons and drug paraphernalia were also seized, authorities said.

According to a release, the DCSO Special Investigations Unit (SIU), DCSO Patrol Division, Kentucky State Police Special Drug Investigations and Area Task Force high-intensity drug trafficking officers executed a search warrant Oct. 31 at the home of Joseph Kyle VanVactor in the 11600 block of U.S. 431 in Utica as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

VanVactor was developed as a suspect by DCSO SIU detectives based on information received from the community, DCSO said.

“During the search warrant, detectives found evidence of a psilocybin mushroom growing operation. Approximately 3 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms along with psilocybin mushroom growing equipment, marijuana, digital scales, vacuum equipment and other items were seized by investigators. Three handguns, two rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun were also found. During a search of the residence, detectives discovered a hidden room located behind a bookshelf that contained the illegal growing operation. Because the grow operation exposed law enforcement to hazardous chemicals, the KSP Hazardous Materials Team responded to safely dismantle the operation,” according to the release.

All evidence was stored on KSP property due to the hazardous nature of many components, the release states.

VanVactor was arrested and taken to the Daviess County Detention Center on the following charges, according to DCSO:

• Gratuitous endangerment of a police officer – 1^st Diploma (6 points)
• Trafficking in controlled substances – 2^sd Diploma, 1^st Offense (while armed)
• Marijuana trafficking (with weapon)
• Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia (while armed)