Greene County couple arrested for large pot-growing operation in home

A Greene County couple has been arrested after police discovered a large indoor marijuana-growing operation inside their Catskill home.

Forty-year-old Mark Richardson and 37-year-old Christine Richardson were arrested Monday evening after the Greene County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at their home at 1025 Route 23A.

Police say they began investigating the couple after receiving a confidential tip.

Inside the home, police discovered a professional growing operation in the basement, and seized 130 mature, high-quality marijuana plants, as well as high-tech lighting, ventilation equipment and heat lamps.

The marijuana plants had a street value of around $100,000, according to county sheriff Greg Seeley.

"Through the investigation, it became apparent that this growing operation has been ongoing for quite some time," said Seeley. "It is also obvious that this operation was being run for the purpose of selling."

Both were sent to Greene County Jail on $25,000 cash bond. Christine Richardson was released on her own recognizance.