Authorities crack down on another alleged marijuana grow house

A man was arrested Wednesday morning on drug and theft charges after 76 marijuana plants were discovered in his home, deputies said.
Alfredo Abad, 57, of 13296 Moon Road, is accused of possessing marijuana and tampering with an electric meter on his property.
He was charged with cultivation of marijuana, grand theft, knowingly living in a house used for drug trafficking, marijuana possession, theft of services and possession of drug paraphernalia.
During the search of his house, authorities discovered the plants as well as an extra set of power lines that were tapped into Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperation power lines located along the edge of the house, according to an arrest report.
The lines were designed to divert electrical power needed to operate the two additional air-conditioning units, grow lights and fans used to grow the marijuana, deputies said.
Authorities also confiscated 11 pounds of bagged marijuana leaves located in the hallway of the house, according to the report.
WREC advised the sheriff's office that more that $300 worth of electricity was diverted from Nov. 17 to the date of Abad's arrest, deputies said.