Marijuana 'hot house' uncovered near Azle


By BILL MILLER
Star-Telegram Staff Writer



A Parker County man faces felony charges after investigators found scores of marijuana plants growing in a ``hot-house setup'' on his property near Azle.

Charles Wayne Hatcher, 41, was arrested Monday after he arrived home as investigators were executing a search warrant in the 100 block of Cedar Creek Drive, about eight miles south of Azle, Parker County sheriff's Capt. Mike Morgan said Wednesday.

Hatcher, who was charged with felony possession of marijuana, was released from jail Tuesday after posting $7,500 bail.

Sheriff Larry Fowler said the Weatherford-Parker County Special Crimes investigators had the property under surveillance before getting the warrant.

??We found over 200 plants inside the residence in various phases of growth and maturity,? Fowler said.

The mobile home on the property had ``false rooms'' built into it and was secured with burglar bars, investigators said.

They also found lighting systems, empty water jugs and written logs showing the history of the plant growth dating back to December 2004.
``Initial estimates indicate approximately one pound was seized that would bring $3,000 to $4,000 in street value,'' Morgan said.
``Investigators say that hot-house marijuana is generally more potent because of the controlled growing environment.''
Torog Reviewed by Torog on . Marijuana ' hot house' uncovered near Azle Marijuana 'hot house' uncovered near Azle By BILL MILLER Star-Telegram Staff Writer A Parker County man faces felony charges after investigators found scores of marijuana plants growing in a ``hot-house setup'' on his property near Azle. Rating: 5