JEFFERSON - Three people have been arrested after authorities found dozens of marijuana plants growing in a field in Nicholson Tuesday.
Jackson County Sheriff's investigators said the field of 70 plants was discovered on Farmer Road just off Old Kings Bridge Road. "Investigators and the Georgia State Patrol were investigating something that was unrelated," Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum said. "The aviation unit spotted the patch of marijuana."
Authorities said they went to a residence on the property and arrested the owner, 59-year-old Don O'Neil Farmer. He was charged with possession of marijuana and manufacturing marijuana.
Two women at the residence also were arrested, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Sadie Diane McCoy, 57, was charged with tampering with evidence when she tried to flush marijuana plants down a toilet. Valerie Diane Smith, 27, of a Florida address was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Walton County, Georgia.
Mangum said the marijuana plants pulled from the field had a street value of $84,000. More marijuana was discovered inside the house, along with two firearms.
Friday
July 4th, 2025
1:22PM
