Two Neighbors Arrested For Allegedly Growing Pot

Information from a confidential source led to the Sunday arrest of two neighbors charged with growing marijuana.

James Knox, 56, of 2116 Wolf Creek Road, and Nicholas James Vought, 26, of 2118 Wolf Creek Road, were both charged with production of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Members of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office responded to 2116 Wolf Creek Road after receiving information that the subject was growing marijuana there, according to the arrest report.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they reportedly found a live cannabis plant in the front yard. Written consent was then obtained to search Knox's residence.

The search yielded four live plants with active root systems, stems and leaves, the report stated. Inside, deputies also found fluorescent lights, reflective material in a closet that appeared to be fabricated into an indoor growing area, several pipes and rolling papers.

Knox reportedly admitted to growing marijuana for personal use.

Deputies also made contact with next-door neighbor Vought and obtained verbal consent to search his residence. In the attic, they found one live marijuana plant with an active root system, stems and leaves.

The fluorescent lighting and reflective material was also found in the attic. A small amount of marijuana was in a bedroom closet that appeared to be a drying area, the report stated.

Vought reportedly told authorities he was trying to grow marijuana from a seed that had been given to him by a friend. He also claimed that he did not use pot.

HCSO Deputy Michael Brod made the arrests.