Pot patch spotted in flyover; man jailed

A summer marijuana search has led to the arrest of a Clarksville man.John Alex Cain, 51, has been charged with manufacture of marijuana, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Randy McCroan was conducting an aerial search for marijuana back in June, with Lt. Mark Mallory, Sgt. Todd Wheetley and Sgt. Jared Nichols of the Calhoun-Liberty Drug Task Force, working the ground. Plants were spotted from the air amid planted pines near the intersection of Gray and Pippin Road. A well defined trail was observed leading to the Cain residence on Gray Road. One plant was found growing in Cain’s yard. Lt. Mallory spoke with Cain who consented to a search of his home. The search team uncovered plastic bags of marijuana, along with marijuana seeds, digital scales and rolling papers. Five plants were found growing behind Cain’s home in addition to the one in the front yard. A total of 26 plants were seized from the property across the road. Cain told authorities his wife had no knowledge of the plants being grown or the marijuana inside their home. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody July 21.