CHRISTIANSTED – A St. Croix man admitted in federal court that his house in Frederiksted was used as a “grow house” to produce marijuana plants for sale.
Roy Christian, 63, of Frederiksted pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr. on Tuesday to manufacture of marijuana, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on or about March 30, 2017, agents and officers of the DEA St. Croix Office executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Frederiksted.
At least 313 marijuana plants were seized growing in pots and in different stages of growth.
A large quantity of processed marijuana and U.S. currency were also found.
Christian later admitted that he grew and sold marijuana.
Laboratory analysis confirmed the plants were marijuana.
Christian faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
A sentencing date has been set for January 10, 2019.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.