Eye doctor grew marijuana in his Havertown home, police say

HAVERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police in Havertown have raided the home of a local doctor, who was allegedly growing marijuana in his basement.

It all started earlier this month with a tip call to Haverford Township Police. That sparked an investigation, and as of this morning a Havertown doctor and his daughter are under arrest.

Wednesday morning police raided the home of 58-year-old Dr. Paul Ezell in the 200 block of Sagamore Road. They allegedly confiscated 27 marijuana plants in various stages of cultivation - from seedlings to mature flowering specimens.

In addition, police say they seized $1,200 cash, cell phones, heavy grow lights, scales, dried marijuana, and small plastic containers that could be used for retail sales.

Now Ezell and his 23-year-old daughter Victoria Ezell are facing charges.

Haverford Township Police Lt. Charles Moore quoted the tip caller, saying, "It has come to my attention that Dr. Ezell is growing marijuana at his residence and selling it to his patients and other individuals."

Moore says the department is still investigating the allegations concerning the sale of marijuana to patients.

As for the value of the alleged growing operation, Lt. Moore says that based on the amount of plants that were seized, the yearly revenue is estimated at between $30,000 and $40,000.

The Ezells are now charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession with the intent to sell a controlled substance, as well as criminal conspiracy.

The elder Ezell is a board certified ophthalmologist trained at Wills Eye Hospital.

At a nearby medical practice staffers said Ezell worked less than two hours a week, and said the doctor had never spoken about the medicinal elements of marijuana.

When we tried to contact a Bucks County practice where Ezell supposedly worked, staffers hung up the phone.

Today the doctor told the district justice that he is currently employed as a medical doctor, but did not volunteer where.

His daughter, a recent college graduate, said she is now working as a bartender in Delaware County.

In his Havertown neighborhood of 26 years, his neighbors say they were floored by the charges, saying Ezell was a quiet, soft-spoken guy.

Neighbor Kathleen Kelly described Ezell, saying, "Very classy man. Goes to work every day, minds his own business, gives us a big hello. Sometimes, you know, uses our lawnmower. And that's about it."

Both Paul and Victoria Ezell are each currently being held on $50,000 cash bail.