Lee County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man Saturday for stealing hemp plants from a farm in Cumnock, and are looking for several other suspects.
Dee Jay Rodriguez, 19, of Hope Mills faces charges of larceny of ungathered crops and possessing stolen goods. He’s currently in the Lee County Jail under $10,000 secured bond.
Deputies said in a press release that the owner at Buchanan Farms at 1401 Cumnock Road was doing surveillance on his field when he noticed several people pulling up plants. The farmer was able to apprehend Rodriguez until law enforcement arrived, but the other suspects escaped.
In all, Buchanan reported that 30 plants valued at $10,000 were stolen. The Rant looked at the rise of hemp farming locally back in May, and while the plant has a great many medicinal, industrial and other uses, it can’t get you high.
So, 30 plants valued at $10,000. That’s $333.33 per plant! How much space do I need for 100 plants, and where do I sign up for a permit???