Sheriff: Tellico Village family ran elaborate pot growing scheme
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Updated: 1:04 PM Oct 10, 2011
Sheriff: Tellico Village family ran elaborate pot growing scheme
A family of four is accused of running a massive marijuana grow lab in their pricey Tellico Village mansion. Now they could lose their freedom and their home.
Posted: 12:59 PM Oct 10, 2011
Reporter: Mario Boone
Email Address: mario.boone@wvlt-tv.com
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TELLICO VILLAGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Goldman family was recently indicted for running an unlikely joint business in their six-figure home. An elaborate marijuana grow lab. "What's more intriguing about it is the location of the operation," said Lt. Paul Curtis of the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.

It happened in Tellico Village, nestled among neatly manicured lawns and million dollar homes. The illicit operation was hidden in false closets in the basement of the Goldman mansion.

"It was just totally surprising. We had no idea that anything like that would be going on in the neighborhood," said neighbor John Theobald.

"I am personally embarassed to have a neighbor that would be involved in such a large pot bust, you know," Al Porell said.

Cops found not more than 500 pot plants valued at approximately $300,000. But the whole scheme might never have been uncovered had it not been for a 911 call by Mrs. Goldman back in April. "We got there by means of a domestic call."

Police say a fight broke out with mom and dad versus son and girlfriend over Andrew's plan to move out, taking the lucrative weed business with him.

The Goldmans still live in their home valued near a half million dollars, but that could soon change. The sheriff has filed paperwork to seize the property.

Said Porell, "apparently when they built the house, they actually designed it with a room to build the marijuna plant inside."

The Goldman's didn't answer the door for our Mario Boone. Reached by phone, Mrs. Goldman declined to comment.

All four remain free on bond.