Cherokee authorities have arrested a Ball Ground man after finding at least 172 marijuana plants growing in his back yard and 30 plants being dried and processed inside his home, police said. The total haul of marijuana plants was valued at $242,400.
William Joseph "Jody" Gaddis, 47, was arrested Tuesday on charges of manufacturing marijuana, possession of pot with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities made the bust using police helicopters that allowed them to see the marijuana plants growing behind a home on Sperin Road in northern Cherokee County. As they called for help, pilots saw at least two people run from the home into the woods, police said.
Agents obtained a search warrant for the home, which belongs to Gaddis, according to police.
Agents counted about 172 plants behind the home and an additional 30 plants in various stages of drying and harvesting inside the home, police said.
Gaddis remained in custody at Cherokee Adult Detention Center with bond set at $250,000.
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