L to R - Deputy Ron Bandy and Chief Deputy
Carl Ballengee store pot plants in evidence locker

Officer Charlie Richards getting ready to tag weight scales

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department confiscated 57 marijuana plants last night behind a residence on Country Lanes, just off Rt. 16 close to Calhoun Homes, a Mt. Zion sub-division.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Carl Ballengee said John David Hickman, 47, gave a statement saying the illegal plants belonged to him. The plants were being grown in pots behind the dwelling.

Ballengee said what appeared to be a crack pipe was also confiscated, along with measuring scales and a rifle. "Because Mr. Hickman is a convicted felon, he was not to have firearms in his possession," said the officer.

The Sheriff's Department searched the property after obtaining a search warrant.

"The case is still under investigation," said Ballengee.

Participating in the investigation and search, Chief Deputy Carl Ballengee, Deputy Ron Bandy, Officer Charlie Richards and Sheriff Allen Parsons.