Pickett County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist Pickett County EMS on Friday, July 15 during a life alert 911 call at 1255 Jones Chapel Road and found a marijuana growing operation.

At approximately 6:30 a.m., Pickett County Deputy Mike Worley had entered the residence and immediately observed drug paraphernalia and quickly obtained a search warrant.

After obtaining and executing the search warrant, four rooms containing 168 marijuana plants in all growth stages were found throughout the home.

According to Pickett County Sheriff Dana E. Dowdy, an investigation of possible drug activity had been ongoing for over a year at the residence owned by Nancy Carson Quilty, 69.

The sheriff was assisted in the investigation by Assistant D.A. Mark Gore, Chief Deputy Steve Wilber, Sgt. Jeff Flowers and Deputy Mike Worley.

The case against Quilty will be presented to the Pickett County Grand Jury in August for criminal indictments.