MAN RECEIVES 9 YEARS IN PRISON FOR HIS ROLE IN POT-GROWING RING

A key player in a multimillion-dollar Roanoke County pot-growing ring was
sentenced Friday to nine years in prison, bringing to a close an
investigation that lasted more than a decade.

Russell R. "Sam" Coles, 40, pleaded guilty in February 2000 to conspiracy
to manufacture and distribute marijuana and conspiracy to launder money.
Known as the Phototron operation, so named because of the high-powered
lamps used to grow marijuana plants in suburban homes, the investigation
has led to the convictions of 14 people on drug charges since 1995.

Coles, of Danville, also was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Mott prosecuted the case.