Four southern Utah men accused of growing a large quantity of marijuana plants in a remote area of Wayne County have posted bail and have been released from custody.
The street value of the 410 hybrid plants was estimated at $4 million by a four-county narcotics task force that was involved in a three-month investigation that led to the arrests.John William Casner, 48, Hanksville, and Danny Dean Cleaveland, 31, Moab, were arrested at the Granite Ranch 17 miles south of Hanksville in eastern Wayne County. Two other Moab men, Scott Timpson, 25, and Tim Timpson, 36, were arrested in Moab on a warrant from Wayne County.
The suspects were charged with "cultivating, caring for, growing, producing or possession with intent to produce a controlled substance," namely marijuana. The crime is a third-degree felony.
Casner and Cleave-land were believed to be attending to the crop when they were arrested. Law enforcement officers also reported they confiscated three rifles and a handgun that the two men had in their possession. The suspects were taken to the Sevier County Jail in Richfield and later released after each posted $5,000 bail.
A spokesman at the Grand County sheriff's office said Tim Timpson posted a bond of $20,000 and Scott Timpson posted $5,000 on orders from Wayne County.
Casner and Cleaveland are scheduled to appear in Wayne County for preliminary hearing Dec. 9.