Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Steven Owen Rigney, of Conch Way in Poinciana Tuesday, after seizing 123 Cannabis plants valued at over $123,000.
Rigney has been charged with cultivation of Cannabis, possession of over 20 grams of Cannabis with intent to sell and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, among other charges.
Investigators went to the Conch Way residence after receiving a tip of a possible “grow house” and made contact with the occupants yesterday. During a search of the residence, detectives found a downstairs room and the garage converted to an indoor cannabis grow. Each grow room was equipped with lights, fans, ballasts for growing cannabis. Fertilizer and other growing materials were found throughout the downstairs.
Detectives seized a total of 123 plants inside the residence, along with loose cannabis throughout the downstairs and kitchen. Plastic baggies and other evidence of packaging were found in the kitchen.
Upstairs rooms of the residence were either being used for growing cannabis or were being prepared to be used for growing cannabis.
A spokesperson with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said, conservatively the value of the seizure has been put at $123,000, although this figure could rise.
A search of Rigney’s bedroom and spare bedroom turned up more packaged cannabis and baggies containing cocaine residue were recovered. In the closet of the spare bedroom a loaded 9mm handgun was found.
Investigators said, Progress Energy responded and located an illegal tap at the meter box. Rigney was stealing electricity to avoid detection by the power company and law enforcement.
Rigney is a convicted felon with a history of burglary in South Florida, investigators said.
