The Latest: 3 sentenced for $9M Maine marijuana operation

BANGOR, Maine – The Latest on Maine marijuana sentencing (all times local):

3:10 p.m.

Three men convicted on charges stemming from a sophisticated marijuana operation in the woods of eastern Maine are going to federal prison.

A judge sentenced Malcolm French of Enfield to more than 14 years in prison and fined him $100,000 on Thursday. Rodney Russell of South Thomaston was sentenced to more than 12 years, and Kendall Chase of Bradford was sentenced to five years.

They were convicted of charges stemming from the pot-growing operation in the woods and swamps of Township 37 in Washington County.

Officials say it featured bunkhouses, migrant workers — and $9 million worth of marijuana. The discovery of the operation in 2009 led to the seizure of nearly 3,000 plants.

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8:48 a.m.

Three men convicted on charges stemming from a sophisticated marijuana operation in the woods of eastern Maine are due to be sentenced.

Officials say the operation featured bunkhouses, migrant workers — and $9 million worth of marijuana.

Malcolm French of Enfield and Rodney Russell of South Thomaston face at least 10 years in prison when they’re sentenced Thursday for charges including manufacturing drugs and harbouring workers who were in the country illegally. Kendall Chase of Bradford faced a lesser sentence.

They were convicted of charges stemming from a sophisticated operation nestled in the woods and swamps in Township 37 in Washington County. The discovery of the operation in 2009 led to the seizure of nearly 3,000 plants.