Vice and Narcotics Detectives Alerted to Marijuana Grow House
Detectives from the Hernando County Vice and Narcotics Unit received information from Withlacoochee River Electric Company (WREC) regarding a possible power diversion occurring at 14071 Highgrove Road in Brooksville. Employees from WREC indicated that the power being drawn from the house did not match the amount of power being shown on the meter, thus indicating power diversion. Deputies escorted WREC employees onto the property to identify signs of diversion and possible damage to WREC equipment. A strong odor of marijuana was noticed once deputies approached the residence.
Contact was made with the residents, Lorenzo and Adriana Aday. Detectives explained why they were at the residence, at which time the Adays allowed detectives to search the property. Lorenzo indicated that there was marijuana growing inside the house.
Once inside, detectives located 30 marijuana plants growing in the garage, as part of an elaborate cultivation system. It was evident that larger plants had recently been cultivated and harvested prior to detectives making contact. Detectives located cultivation equipment and fertilizer in every room of the residence.
Along with the cultivation equipment, detectives located over half a pound of processed marijuana. Scales and vacuum seal bags were found, which indicated that the Adays were involved with the distribution of their marijuana.
Lorenzo claimed responsibility for the marijuana but invoked his right to not make any other statements. It is possible that this residence is linked to other cultivation operations in the area. The investigation will continue.
A criminal history check revealed that this was not Lorenzo’s first interaction with law enforcement regarding growing marijuana. Records indicate that Lorenzo served 72 months in federal prison for marijuana conspiracy.
Lorenzo and Adriana Aday were both arrested and charged as follows:
• Cultivation of Marijuana
• Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams
• Possession of a structure for the purpose of manufacturing a controlled substance
• Possession of Paraphernalia
• Theft of Services.
Arrestee Information:
• Aday, Lorenzo H/M DOB/02-02-1931
• Aday, Adriana H/F DOB/08-20-1942.
