80 plants found in Salt Lake pot bust

A man with an extensive criminal history was arrested by the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit early Friday after investigators said they found a sophisticated marijuana-growing operation in his basement. A woman was also arrested.

"It's one of the best (illegal grow operations) I've seen in many years," said Sgt. Kevin Matthews, head of the narcotics unit. "It was capable of growing hundreds of thousands of dollars of marijuana each year."

A tip from a concerned citizen three weeks ago led to the major bust.

Investigators observed a high amount of short-term traffic in front of the house near 800 South and 500 East over the past few weeks. They eventually developed enough evidence to get a search warrant.

Because the main suspect had a violent criminal history, a SWAT team was used to execute the warrant about 4 a.m.

A man and a woman were both in the house at the time. They were asleep in bed and arrested without incident, Matthews said.

In the basement, officers said they found an advanced hydroponic growing system and about 80 mature marijuana plants, some 6 to 7 feet tall.

"It had sophisticated lights on timers, a pumping system ... pumps that flow water through the pots on a timer. It was self-sufficient running," Matthews said.

Detectives believe the pot-growing operation has been running for quite some time, possibly as long as five to six years, Matthews said. They believe the homeowner was selling 10 to 13 ounces of marijuana a day at $500 an ounce.

John Scott Beverleigh, 52, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of cultivation of at least 100 pounds of marijuana and a restricted person in possession of a weapon. Investigators say they will seek to have him charged federally because of the weapons violation.

Although no guns were found in the house, detectives did find .45-caliber bullets, Matthews said.

Beverleigh served three years in a Wyoming prison in the late '70s. Among his many convictions is a federal explosives violation, and most recently he was charged earlier this year in 3rd District Court with two counts of forgery.

Angela Rekoutis, 28, was also arrested Friday and booked into jail on investigation of drug-related charges.

Matthews gave high praise Friday to the anonymous tipster that led investigators to the bust.

"We appreciate the cooperation from the citizens. They are our eyes and ears out there," he said.

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