BUTLER CO., Pa. (EYT) — A Rimersburg man has been sentenced to probation for a marijuana grow operation that was located in the basement of his former Butler County home.

According to court documents, 37-year-old John E. Smeltzer, of Rimersburg, was sentenced in Butler County Court of Common Pleas to one year of county probation.

Butler County Judge William Shaffer also ordered Smeltzer to the following conditions;

– Perform 30 hours of community service under the direction of the Adult Probation Office within three months of the sentencing;
– Pay costs of prosecution; and
– Enroll and pay for electronic reporting services if directed by his probation officer.

Smeltzer pleaded guilty on April 9 to one felony count of Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver.

One misdemeanor count of Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia was dismissed as a result of the plea agreement.

According to a published report by the Butler Eagle, Evans City Seven Fields Regional Police filed criminal charges against John Smeltzer after an incident in the 200 block of Hill Street on August 29.

Police received a tip that two men with felony warrant were at the residence.

Authorities surrounded the home and knocked on the door, which was answered by a man who was not charged in the incident.

According to police, that individual reported that Smeltzer, the homeowner, was inside, as well as one of the wanted men who was sleeping in the basement.

Police say a marijuana grow operation was found in the basement with 12 total plants and seeds in a pill bottle.

Three bongs, six pipes, four grinders, a scale, and assorted medications that were pulled out of capsules and separated on plates were also found.