Three hundred marijuana plants were seized by Marietta police officers investigating an allegation of child abuse, and authorities are currently looking for the man suspected to be behind the grow operation.
According to Marietta police spokesman Officer David Auld, officers on Nov. 18 responded to an allegation by a juvenile of child abuse against Jessie Lee Jr. When they arrived at the residence in the 1300 block of Banberry Road, they detected a strong odor of marijuana.
A search warrant executed at the home uncovered a grow house that contained 300 marijuana plants. Police also found a handgun, Auld said.
Authorities have an active warrant for Lee’s arrest on charges of manufacturing marijuana, trafficking marijuana, distributing marijuana, possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, cruelty to children, false imprisonment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Lee is originally from Mississippi, but police say he may be anywhere in the southeast. He is believed to be armed.
The 37-year-old Lee is described as being 5-feet-11-inches tall, 250 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a patch over his left eye from a previous injury, and was last seen driving a red 1990 Ford Mustang bearing GA license plate BVV 9630.
Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Marietta Police at 770-794-5300.
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