A Stone County man, 43-year-old Brad E. Chatman of Mountain View, has been arrested after a large-scale marijuana grow operation was spotted during air surveillance over his property.
According to the probable cause affidavit, officers from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Army National Guard were conducting a marijuana eradication initiative throughout Stone County on Aug. 19.
During the effort, a member of Game and Fish on board a helicopter spotted the grow operation on Chatman’s property along Oak Grove Loop.
Officers on the ground made contact with three occupants at Chatman’s residence.
Chatman reportedly told the officers he had approximately 48 plants growing and signed a consent to search form.
Officers located several ounces of processed marijuana inside the residence in various containers. They also reported finding Miracle Grow, water jugs, plant maintenance chemicals, large grow containers, water hoses and approximately 50 plants on the property. Some of the plants stood as high as 15 plus feet and were so big they were cut down with an axe.
A total of 64 stalks were harvested. The plants were scattered from next to the house down to locations in nearby woods, with hoses leading to the grow areas.
Chatman allegedly told officers he grew the marijuana for himself and his family. He said he burned 55 male plants this year. He said he grew 75 plants last year, but it was too much for one man to take care of.
He has been charged with felony counts of maintaining a drug premises; manufacturing a Schedule VI controlled substance, marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia with purpose to plant, cultivate, or grow marijuana. He was released on an OR bond.
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