BANGOR — A Monroe man who prosecutors describe as the patriarch of a sophisticated family marijuana growing operation has been convicted of federal drug and firearms charges.

Federal prosecutors say 58-year-old James F. Ford was found guilty on Thursday after a three-day trial.

Ford was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutors say they seized 300 pot plants worth $800,000 along with growing equipment and two semi-automatic weapons from Ford’s home two years ago.

Ford’s two sons, both in their 30s, have pleaded guilty.

His wife’s trial ended in a mistrial and she is scheduled to be retried next month.


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