{"id":5494,"date":"2014-08-11T10:00:57","date_gmt":"2014-08-11T17:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=5494"},"modified":"2014-08-11T10:24:20","modified_gmt":"2014-08-11T17:24:20","slug":"former-buffalo-cop-pleads-guilty-operating-marijuana-grow-100-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=5494","title":{"rendered":"Former Buffalo Cop Pleads Guilty to Operating a Marijuana Grow of More Than 100 Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Former<\/a>
Jorge Melendez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NEW YORK\u00a0<\/b> – A former Buffalo police officer \u00a0who plead guilty last week to operating of marijuana grow of more than 100 plants is now facing up to 40 years in prison, officials said.<\/p>\n

Jorge Melendez,<\/strong> 42, of Buffalo, \u00a0also faces a fine of up to $5 million. He is the second police officer to be convicted for growing marijuana, officials said.<\/p>\n

Officials said that while off-duty he ran his marijuana business.<\/p>\n

At one point during the investigation, officers observed a police badge and credentials belonging to Melendez inside the warehouse. Melendez claimed to have previously lost the badge and identification, officials said.<\/p>\n

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Opanga stated that on May 31, 2012, Melendez, along with co-defendants Jason Elardo and Robert Osika, were arrested after a long term investigation into a large scale marijuana grow operation at three locations.<\/p>\n

Specifically, Melendez and Elardo maintained a marijuana grow operation at a warehouse located in Buffalo.<\/p>\n

During the course of an investigation, officers installed hidden surveillance equipment on the second floor of the South Park Ave. warehouse where a grow operation was located.<\/p>\n

The surveillance video showed Melendez and Elardo tending to over 100 marijuana plants.<\/p>\n

Prior to installing cameras inside the warehouse, authorities said officers monitored the outside of the building, also using surveillance cameras. Melendez was observed arriving in a Buffalo Police patrol car, while on duty, and entering and exiting the location. The defendant worked in the Buffalo Police Department’s “D” District, however the warehouse is located in the “A” District.<\/p>\n

The outside surveillance cameras also observed Elardo entering the warehouse on a daily basis to tend to the marijuana grow operation, officials said. \u00a0In addition, authorities said officers obtained credit card information indicating that Elardo purchased equipment used to sustain an indoor hydroponic marijuana grow operation. The equipment included a dehumidifier and filters.<\/p>\n

On May 31, 2012, two additional locations were found to contain grow operations. A warehouse located in Buffalo and a residence located, both owned by Jason and third co-defendant Gale Elardo, were found to contain a marijuana grow operation. The residence also was found to contain marijuana packaged for sale and two firearms, according to officials.<\/p>\n

Defendants Osika and Gale Elardo have been convicted and are awaiting sentenced. Jason Elardo is deceased.<\/p>\n

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