Troy man accused of growing marijuana

A Troy man is accused of growing marijuana in the basement of his home.

Freddy Thomas Jr. has been charged with felony production and manufacture of dangerous drugs, felony possession of dangerous drugs, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to an affidavit filed by Sergeant Christopher Pape of the Troy Police Department, on Aug. 29, 2016 the Troy Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Mineral Avenue in Troy.

When Pape arrived he was advised by an individual, who had allegedly entered the home to make sure everyone was out, that he had noticed a marijuana growing operation in the residence. Pape noted in the affidavit that he could smell a strong odor of what he believed to be marijuana coming from the residence. Other neighbors also allegedly told Pape that the residence usually smelled that way at night.

After receiving a search warrant, Pape called Thomas to advise him that the home was going to be searched.

As the officers began walking through the residence they allegedly located a small bag of marijuana in a cabinet above the refrigerator.

Pape wrote in the affidavit that while they were going downstairs he immediately noticed the odor of marijuana getting very strong.

Pape also allegedly found a room in the basement containing marijuana plants, harvested marijuana and a large amount of paraphernalia.

On Aug. 31, 2016, Thomas came into the Troy police station voluntarily for an interview, according to the affidavit.

During the interview, Thomas reportedly admitted that the grow operation was his and all the marijuana was for his personal use.

If convicted, Thomas could face up to $100,500 in fines and 15 years and six months of imprisonment.