By Karen Hall

Staff Writer

An investigation that started with the seizure of about an ounce of marijuana from a Cornersville resident climaxed with the discovery of an elaborate marijuana growing operation concealed in the garage of a Marshall County home.

Twenty plants were discovered in the garage, and 1.1 pounds of processed marijuana and 7 pounds of unprocessed marijuana were found in the house.

Earl Anderson of Rich Drive, Lewisburg, was arrested and charged with possession of a Schedule VI drug for resale.

The investigation started March 11, according to a press release from Sheriff Norman Dalton. Capt. Bart Fagan of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department and Cornersville Police Officer Mark Chandler conducted a "knock and talk" with a resident of Cornersville who turned over about an ounce of marijuana.

The investigation continued with help from agents of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force. A vehicle being driven by Anderson was stopped and searched, resulting in the seizure of approximately two ounces of high grade marijuana, according to Drug Task Force Director Tim Lane.

Anderson was arrested, and a search warrant was obtained for his home. The warrant was executed by lawmen from the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, Lewisburg Police Department, Cornersville Police Department, and agents of the DTF.

The marijuana growing operation found in Anderson's garage was completely dismantled by the officers, and the DTF has all the equipment and plants stored in the evidence room at their Shelbyville headquarters.

"This is another example of law enforcement agencies working towards a common goal of removing illegal drugs from the streets of our county," said Dalton.

The investigation continues and additional arrests are anticipated.