FEDERAL CHARGES SOUGHT IN POT BUST

A lifelong Robertson County resident believed responsible for one of
the largest illegal drug operations that local investigators say they
have ever busted could now face federal charges, an investigator with
the District Attorney's Office said Friday.

[Name redacted], 44, was arrested Wednesday - less than a week after
investigators seized more than 1,000 "high-quality" marijuana plants,
22.6 pounds of dried marijuana and meth-cooking material at a rural
property east of Hearne owned by his family (Eagle, May 3).

So far, the truck driver has been charged with possession of
methamphetamine between 1 and 4 grams and possession of marijuana
between 5 and 50 pounds - both third-degree felonies punishable by up
to 10 years in prison.

But according to Robertson County District Attorney's Office
investigator Phil Crowell, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Waco has
also agreed to review the case. [Name redacted] could face between 10
years and life in prison if indicted and found guilty on federal
charges of possessing more than 1,000 marijuana plants.

Similar charges for methamphetamine possession could also be a
possibility, Crowell said.

"I have no doubt in my mind the plants and the meth and the tank
[used in methamphetamine production] were his," he said Friday.

Crowell said he is still investigating the anhydrous ammonia tank
that was found under a tarp in [Name redacted]'s barn.

It is common for people to steal anhydrous ammonia - generally used
as a crop fertilizer - from farmers and sell it to meth cooks, he
said, explaining that the substance can easily sell for $100 per
gallon. It is the only meth ingredient that can't be bought over the counter.

The tank found during the bust was as big as a pickup and looked like
it could hold about 10,000 gallons, Crowell said Friday. Its
registration number was gone and identifying marks seemed to be
painted over, he said.

Charges that could result from that include possession of stolen
property, he said, explaining that possession or transport of
anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture a controlled substance
is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

While [Name redacted] wasn't living at the property at the time it
was raided, there was a tenant whom authorities declined to identify Friday.

"I firmly believe this person had no idea of the illegal activities,"
Crowell said, adding that he also doesn't believe [Name redacted]'s
parents had any knowledge of the operation taking place on their land.

Because of that, he said, the District Attorney's Office isn't
planning to take steps to seize the property.

Authorities have declined to disclose the location of the land until
they can be sure all the plants have been confiscated or destroyed.
Crowell said his office has recommended to [Name redacted]'s parents
that the field be burned.