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By John Toler
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
An airborne operation conducted Sept. 27 to apprehend marijuana growers in Rappahannock County has resulted in three arrests, according to Rappahannock Sheriff Larry Sherertz. I
The operation — which involves utilizing the Virginia State Police! helicopter and a ground force of Sheriffs Office personnel to check suspected marijuana growing sites — is conducted twice a year, said Sherertz.
For the Sept. 27 operation, the Sheriff s Office had a list of ten suspect locations, two of which were found to have marijuana growing on the premises.
Arrested at their home at 230 Moon Road, Sperryville, on Oct. 5> were William Fred Abernathy, 50, and Ann M. Liebel, 47. Both were charged with possession of marijua-1 na.
Arrested at the second site on Bear Wallow Road near Flint Hill was Carl Lee Smoot, 39. He also was charged with possession of marijuana.
"We determine from undercover work and tips provided by the community where marijuana may be growing, and target those areas for investigation," said Sherertz.
Maj. Chris Williams flew in the State Police helicopter during the operation, while Sheriff Sherertz, Lt. Randy Shifflett, Sgt. Connie Compton, Capt. Jeff Brown and Dep. J. C. Welch handled the investigations and arrests on the ground.
Although "not a great quantity" of marijuana was found, the plants were cut down and packaged to be used as evidence, according to Sherertz.
Abernathy, Liebel, and Smoot are currently out on bail, and will be arraigned on Oct. 17.
See VIOLATIONS, Page A1
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