STRONG – A 63-year-old Strong man was arrested Monday night after Franklin County deputies seized nearly 200 marijuana plants, about seven pounds of processed marijuana, $9,850 in cash and guns at his residence on West Freeman Road.
Deputy Aaron Turcotte estimated Tuesday that the street value of the marijuana, if the plants had reached full maturity, was more than $200,000.
Joseph Lagasse was charged with Class C felony possession of a firearm, Class C cultivation of marijuana, and Class B aggravated forgery, Turcotte said.
Eight deputies executed search warrants about 5:20 p.m. Monday at the residence.
Deputies had observed the “grow operation,” Turcotte said, while executing a warrant that was obtained after Turcotte received information that Lagasse, a convicted felon, possessed weapons and had falsely obtained hunting licenses. State law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing firearms. Deputies seized six firearms, both shotguns and rifles, and state hunting licenses issued to Lagasse, Turcotte said.
Turcotte said Lagasse basically falsified state documents to obtain a license.
Turcotte said he obtained a second warrant for the drug search after deputies observed the marijuana plants.
The seized plants varied in size, Turcotte said. Police found 122 marijuana plants in the outdoor “grow house” and 77 more plants growing in the house, he said.
Lagasse was arrested about 8:45 p.m. Monday and taken to the Franklin County jail in Farmington. He posted $500 cash bail and was released. His court date is scheduled for July 27 at 12th District Court in Farmington.
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