Power theft leads to grow operation

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it got a tip that someone might be growing marijuana at the home of Michel A. Alvarez-Gonzalez.

When they arrived at the home about 4 p.m., deputies said they found two rooms had been fitted with lights, ballasts and fans, a secondary air conditioning unit had been installed, and the electric meter had been rigged to supply the machines with free electricity. The seized plants weighed a total of 62 pounds.

Alvarez-Gonzalez was charged with trafficking in marijuana, manufacture of marijuana, theft of electricity and possession for purpose of trafficking or selling.

He was being held in the Hillsborough County jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.