HOME INVASION REPORT LEADS TO DRUG BUST

GROVELAND - Two people who reported a home invasion were busted themselves
during an investigation by law enforcement.

Lake County investigators found no intruders inside home on State Road 33
home in Groveland, but they reportedly did discover a drug lab and 68
marijuana plants.

Ariel M. Moran, 28, and Leidys M. Diaz, 22, were charged with cultivation
of marijuana and held in the Lake County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail each.

According to an arrest affidavit, investigators found the plants inside
pots and buckets that were connected to an automated irrigation system.
Each room was equipped with multiple grow lights and separate
air-conditioning systems.

Sgt. Christie Mysinger, a spokeswoman with the Sheriff's Office, said an
officer was driving past the home Saturday when he saw men in the yard with
guns confronting each other. Mysinger said Moran and Diaz told the officer
someone had tried to break into their home.

Officers entered the home to look for the intruders and, according to an
arrest affidavit, deputies smelled a "strong odor" of marijuana. When
officers asked what was in the room, the residents admitted it was
marijuana, reports state.

After being given written and verbal consent to search the home, Mysinger
said, officials found at least 68 large plants with an estimated street
value of at least $80,000.

Mysinger said it is not clear why the pair gave their consent for the
search when there was marijuana in the home.

At least one man was arrested in the connection with the home invasion.

No further information on the incident was available Sunday.