65 year old abducted by violent street gang being held for $10k ransom

Lawrence W. Werth, 65 of Montana was likely relaxing after a good meal at 6:44pm Saturday when a group of men in matching uniforms wearing badges and sporting tactical gear came to his door.

His guest, Jonathan R. Potter, 38 answered the door and cooperated with the demands of the men as they asked him to show them around the home. When he led the men into the basement where he kept and tended to his 47 cannabis plants all in different stages of vegetation he and Werth were quickly detained.

Once detained, the men looted the residence taking possession of the plants, 3 lb of dried cannabis and roughly $7,000 in cash. The men were put in handcuffs and taken to the Gallatin County Detention Center where a $10k ransom was put out for their release.

They have been accused of criminal production of dangerous drugs, possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs and use of property for the manufacturing of dangerous drugs. Werth & Potters captors have threatened to take possession of the home by force.

The assailants have been identified as members of the Bozeman Police Department.