Pubdate: Fri, 26 Sep 2008
Source: Gainesville Sun, The (FL)
Copyright: 2008 The Gainesville Sun
Contact:  http://www.sunone.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/163
Author: Karen Voyles, Staff Writer
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/grow+operations

FIRE DESTROYS SUSPECTED MARIJUANA GROWING OPERATION

The State Fire Marshal and Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office are 
investigating a fire that destroyed what appeared to be a large 
indoor marijuana growing operation. One person has been arrested in the case.

The fire was reported before dawn Tuesday at [redacted]. Firefighters 
were unable to save the 36-by-140-foot wood-frame barn. Among the 
charred remains, investigators reported finding what appeared to be 
fans, lights, air conditioners, humidifiers and more than 200 
marijuana plants, according to sheriff's Lt. Teri Gentry.

"What we saw there was consistent with a grow house for marijuana," 
Gentry said.

Investigators also found what appeared to be a system for illegally 
diverting electricity from nearby power lines. As a result of that 
finding, deputies arrested one man who had been staying on the property.

[redacted], was charged him with theft of utilities for allegedly 
stealing $35,866 worth of electricity. Gentry said additional charges 
are likely to be filed against [redacted] and others as the 
investigation continues.

Investigators described the property where the alleged grow house was 
found as a [redacted], including the one that burned.

"We expect to have more on this case as we continue investigating," 
Gentry said on Thursday.

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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin