Man Arrested After Marijuana Grow Found Near Elementary School, JCSO Says

MICRO — A Johnston County man was arrested after deputies allegedly discovered an outdoor marijuana growing operation just a few hundred feet from an elementary school.

Brandon Keith Menard was taken into custody on September 18 after narcotics agents with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 200 block of North Hinnant Street in the Micro city limits. Authorities say they were acting on a narcotics complaint.

Upon arriving at the home, deputies reportedly found ten marijuana plants, each approximately three feet tall, growing in the backyard under a greenhouse-style tent. A search of the residence also led to the discovery of 13.4 grams of marijuana and various items of drug paraphernalia, according to investigators.

Officials said the property is located less than 500 feet from Micro Elementary School.

Menard is facing several drug-related charges, including manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, and manufacture, sale, or delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school.

He was booked into the Johnston County Detention Center and received a $15,000 secured bond.