A three month investigation involving a host of local law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrests of two Mena men recently.
According to a statement by Montgomery County Sheriff David White, law enforcement authorities arrested Forrest Crowley and Robert “Rooster” Hamilton, both of Mena, for manufacturing a schedule VI controlled substance, a class C felony.
Sheriff White stated that the United States Forest Service became aware of a possible marijuana operation located in the Ouachita National Forest between Highway 8 and Highway 88 in the area of Edwards Cemetery.
An investigation was opened July 24 involving the USFS law enforcement officers, the 18th West Drug Task Force and members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
After several weeks of investigations the agencies acquired enough evidence to charge Crowley and Hamilton.
They also obtained a search warrant for Hamilton’s residence where they allegedly found additional marijuana plants, paraphernalia and some drugs.
Sheriff White stated that between the growing operation in the national forest and items found at Hamilton’s residence they collected over 20 marijuana plants.
Both men are out on bond at this time.
