The sheriff’s office received information about Jones manufacturing marijuana, which led to an undercover operation in which narcotics investigators were able to develop enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.

The search warrant was executed Monday at Jones’ residence at 3139 Highway 330 in Statham.

Deputies recovered 78 marijuana plants and 3 ounces of dried marijuana.

While the plants were young, each had the potential of producing about 1 pound of marijuana when fully grown, according to Investigator Matt Guthas.

"If these plants made it to maturity, and were processed into dried marijuana, the total street value would exceed $85,000," Guthas said.

He said narcotics agents estimate the 3 ounces of dried marijuana to be worth approximately $2,500.