
Doctor charged with growing pot
Arabi — A three month investigation into marijuana distribution in the Crisp County area has led to the arrest of an Arabi veterinarian, according to Sheriff Donnie Haralson.
Search warrants were issued this past week for the residence of Ronald Lee Wilkie, 51, at 4245 Bedgood Avenue, Arabi, and for his veterinarian office, Companion Care Animal Hospital, at 100 2nd Street, Arabi.
During the search, officers found 20 marijuana plants in Wilkie’s office and 80 plants along with other items used in the cultivation of marijuana in his home.
Mid-South Narcotics Task Force along with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation worked together to serve the search warrants, Haralson said.
At Wilkie’s home, law enforcement officers discovered over 80 marijuana plants growing in multiple rooms of the residence. The growing operation was set up to produce pounds of various species of marijuana, the sheriff explained.
Major Jeff Youngblood with the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force stated, “These plants are capable of producing what is referred to as buds which are then sold at a value of approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per pound.”
Estimated street value of all the confiscated plants is approximately $250,000, Youngblood said. Each plant has an estimated value of $2,500.
Also seized from the residence were multiple grow lights, transformers, CO2 systems, fertilizers, containers, filtrations systems and other items used in the manufacturing process.
As a result of the investigation, Wilkie and Brandon Wayne Nutt, age 32 of Cordele, were arrested. Both are charged with manufacturing marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
They are currently being held in the Crisp County Detention Center with bonds set on each man at $9650.
Haralson commended Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, his deputies and the GBI for doing a great job in working this case.