Six arrested after marijuana growing operation discovered

A photo provided by the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department shows the drug growing operation which was shut down by law enforcement and led to the arrest of six persons.

NEW MADRID- A two-month investigation has ended with the arrest of six people in connection with a marijuana growing operation.

New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens reported the joint investigation between the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department and the New Madrid Police Department concluded Sunday evening when a search warrant was served in Catron with the assistance of the SEMO Drug Task Force.

"During the search, officers found what appeared to be a sophisticated marijuana grow operation," Stevens said in a news release. "Approximately 15 marijuana plants, in various stages of growth were discovered."

Taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Pemiscot County Jail were the following individuals:

Erica D Clement, 21, of New Madrid, is charged with one count of distribution/ manufacturing of a controlled substance with intent distribute and two counts of first degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Nicholas Rhodes, 31, of New Madrid, is charged with two counts of distribution/manufacturing of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of first degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Bond for Clement and Rhodes is set at $40,000 each.

Charged with one count each of distribution/ manufacturing of a controlled substance with intent to distribute are James McCain, 42, and Angela McCain, 42, of Catron and Shanna Matkin, 25, and Kenneth Steele, 21, of Piedmont. They are is being held in the Pemiscot County Jail on a $30,000 bond each.