MAN AGREES TO REMOVE MARIJUANA LEAVES PAINTED ON HIS HOUSE

LITCHFIELD, Conn. -- A man who spray-painted large cannabis leaves on
his house has agreed to remove the bright green paintings as part of
a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Christopher Seekins, of Winsted, was arrested in October when police
discovered about 100 marijuana plants in his house. He said they were
hemp and part of a research project.

After his arrest, Seekins painted images of the green leaf on his
Victorian-style house, each accompanied by the word "hemp." Town
officials say they received several complaints because Seekins' home
- - on High Street - is visible from Winsted's main thoroughfare.

Seekins has said the large leaves were painted in support of
legalization of marijuana. He also believes in the usefulness of
hemp, a biological relative of marijuana that is used in products
from soap and cosmetics to rope and luggage.

Seekins, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday in Litchfield Superior Court to
a charge of growing marijuana and Supervisory State's Attorney Andrew
M. Wittstein agreed to three years probation. He was also barred from
painting the leaves on his house again.

The state agreed to drop other charges, such as possession of
marijuana with intent to sell. Seekins will have to perform 300 hours
of community service and refrain from possessing or using illegal drugs.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 30.