Published: September 03, 2009 11:30 pm      

Hyndman man pleads guilty to growing ‘massive marijuana crop’

Believed largest take of plants ever in Bedford County

HYNDMAN, Pa. — A Hyndman man pleaded guilty Wednesday and will serve 30 months to five years in a state prison for growing what authorities have called a massive marijuana crop on land owned by his mother.

Vohn R. Lehman Jr., 42, will also have to pay a fine of $15,000.

“After years of hearing complaints, tips and information about Vohn Lehman, the Bedford County Drug Task Force has brought him to justice and he is being appropriately punished,” said District Attorney Bill Higgins.

The seizure of 617 plants is believed to be the single largest take of marijuana plants in Bedford County.

In September 2008, the task force used a helicopter to observe the site from the air before seizing the plants.

The area where the plants were found was maintained by Lehman and was adjacent to a cabin that he used. The land was behind a locked gate where Lehman had been seen on a four-wheeler that day, according to Higgins. Police also found numerous items consistent with a marijuana growing operation including metal pans, scales, rolling papers and a trail camera.

The prison time is a result of a plea agreement. Official sentencing will take place Nov. 18. Lehman was released after making a bond of $100,000.

“We have shown time and again that if you are involved in drug trafficking in Bedford County, it is only a matter of time until we arrest you and when we do you can certainly expect a stiff penalty,” Higgins said.