WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP — Jeff Roberto lived in an 864-square-foot condominium, but had little space for himself, authorities say.

        Except for basic furniture “the rest of the entire house was a greenhouse,” said Butler County Sheriff's Capt. Greg Blankenship. “It's the largest marijuana growing operation I've seen in the past three years — and probably the most advanced I've everseen.”

        Mr. Roberto, 30, appeared Wednesday in Butler County Area II Court, Hamilton, on drug charges, including illegal cultivation at his residence in the 5000 block of Foxwood Place. That third-degree felony carries a maximum prison term of five years.

        Held in the Butler County Jail, Mr. Roberto is scheduled for a Dec. 10 preliminary hearing in Area III Court, West Chester. His bond is $15,000.

        In a search of Mr. Roberto's home Monday night, authorities seized 137 premium-quality marijuana plants, which had a street value of at least $30,000, Capt. Blankenship said. However, officers found no cash.

        Mr. Roberto planted mail-order marijuana seeds called “Skunk Bud No. 11,” and raised the plants with a horticulturist's touch, Capt. Blankenship said.

        A carbon-dioxide generator, special ventilation and lighting helped the plants flourish, authorities said.

        After receiving an anonymous caller's complaint a couple weeks ago, deputies began investigating Mr. Roberto. “His electric meter was spinning three or four times faster than comparable condos next to him — and all his windows were covered up,” Capt. Blankenship said. “So we did a search warrant, and we hit pay dirt.”

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