June 5, 2006, Wilson County Deputies raided and confiscated a home grown marijuana operation on property north of Lebanon in Wilson County. Working with Cannon County Authorities investigating a sister pot-growing operation, the deputies executed a search and seized dozens of large marijuana plants inside a barn. The sophisticated growing operation included hydro-ponics, lighting and other equipment designed to make the weed grow faster, with high levels of THC.
Thomas Allen Guaraldi, 49, was taken into custody during the raid. Although he's lived on the 36 acre property located on Gilmore Hill Road off Highway 231 for some time, authorities said it�s unclear whether he owned property.
Also seized inside the barn was a cache of weapons that included rifles, handguns and revolvers along with surveillance equipment. In addition to drugs and weapons charges, the suspect faces possible charges of animal cruelty, said authorities. The sophisticated pot-growing operation was concealed in an area behind a room filled with animals.
Wilson County Sheriff Terry Ashe called the operation �substantial�, saying the early stages of the investigation could easily lead to more arrests. Wilson County Investigators said Guaraldi is jailed on charges of possession with intent to manufacture and resale. He's held on $75,000 bond. Sheriff Ashe said following a hearing, assets, including the farm and property, could become county property and resold. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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