Harford Sheriff: Argument Leads To Marijuana Drug Bust

Harford County Sheriff's deputies responding to a domestic disturbance over the weekend ended up finding an indoor marijuana growing operation, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

On March 31, Julia Michele Leonard, 24, called to report a verbal altercation on the 800 block of Chatfield Road in Joppa, according to Harford County Sheriff's Office spokesman Edward Hopkins.

When deputies arrived around 12:15 p.m and made contact with Leonard and Michael Allen Brandt, 26, they noticed a strong odor of marijuana and saw marijuana in the bathroom of the home, according to the statement.

After obtaining a search and seizure warrant, deputies found more than $8,000 in cash, 8 pounds of marijuana, multiple smoking devices, indoor growing equipment and packaging materials, the Harford County Sheriff's Office reported.

The marijuana has an estimated street value of $32,000 if sold by the ounce and $12,000 if sold by the pound, according to the report.

Brandt and Leonard were charged with possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and they could face additional charges, the Harford County Sheriff's Office said.

On April 1, Brandt was released after posting a $50,000 bond and Leonard was released after posting a $35,000 bond, according to the statement.

Leonard has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 30 in Harford County District Court.

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