CANTON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Husband and wife Henry and Beverly Monroe appeared in Madison County Justice Court Wednesday after the two were charged with numerous counts associated with growing hundreds of marijuana plants inside their Madison home.
Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker said Henry Monroe was the mastermind behind the drug operation, and the wife claims it was being grown for medical reasons.
"It's illegal to grow it in the state of Mississippi in any quantity one plant or 1,000 so I don't think the claim of a medical purpose for having it is going to fly," Tucker said.
Evidence shows the marijuana was sold from the home, but investigators are still piecing together who the drugs went to.
"We're still going through documents and he (Henry) kept himself a ledger so we've got a pretty good idea but I can't give an exact number," Sheriff Tucker said.
Tucker said Henry Monroe has a previous drug conviction in Madison County.
"The judge interviewed both individuals and held Mr. Monroe with no bond because of his previous convictions," said Sheriff Tucker.
The judge set bond for Beverly Monroe, who is a nurse at River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, at $50,000.
Beverly Monroe's father, who was in court with several other family members, said Beverly Monroe wasn't connected to her husband's drug operation.
If Beverly Monroe cannot make her $50,000 bond she could be eligible for a bond reduction hearing.
Another possibility is both Henry and Beverly may appear in court again for a preliminary hearing.
Two of the Monroe's children lived in the home with their parents.
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