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Investigation Into Possible Theft Of Natural Gas Turns Into Drug Bust

COMMERCE TWP. (WWJ) - A 39-year-old Commerce Township man was arrested for allegedly being part of a large marijuana growing operation.

The Oakland County Sheriff's office said a Consumers Energy employee was looking into a complaint that a homeowner was stealing natural gas on Tamarron Court, south of Commerce Road.

The employee saw a number of marijuana plants and called the sheriff's office to the scene.

About 950 marijuana plants, as well as drug paraphernalia, were found at the home of Lionell Hicks, who has previous convictions involving marijuana, according to police.

Hicks was arraigned Sunday morning at the Oakland County jail.

Bond was set at $100,000 cash.

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