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Deputies: Tampa Pair Had Secret Bedroom For Growing Pot

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By JESSICA DaSILVA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 18, 2008

  Orlando Modero

  Marisol Sanchez

Deputies acting on a tip about a Tampa home uncovered 38 hidden marijuana plants in a secret bedroom.

The discovery was made about 2 p.m. Thursday, according to an affidavit, which describes what happened next.

Hillsborough County Sherrif's Office deputies knocked on the door of Marisol Sanchez and Orlando Medero at 12708 Trucious Place. After Sanchez granted them permission to search her residence, deputies followed a trail of supplies for growing marijuana plants to an upstairs bedroom.

In the bedroom, deputies discovered a false door cut into the east side of the bedroom that led to another bedroom containing 38 marijuana plants, a water tubing system, several high pressure lights and 14 ballasts.

The northwest bedroom had two one-inch marijuana plants, and the residents were also stealing electricity through an unauthorized tap, deputies said.

Sanchez, 45, and Medero, 50, were both charged with two felonies for cultivation of marijuana and possession with the intent to sell, and a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia. Medero was also charged with a felony for electricity theft.

Sanchez was released on $4,500 bond at 5:41 a.m. Medero was released 20 minutes earlier on $5,000 bond.

Reporter Jessica DaSilva can be reached at (813) 259-7851 or jdasilva@tampatrib.com

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