Underground Pot Cave Plea

[L Roebuck]

Keeper of underground pot cave pleads guilty to three charges

BY LEON ALLIGOOD
Staff Writer


LEBANON -- A Trousdale County man has pleaded guilty to charges that he ran a huge underground marijuana-growing operation in a cave hidden under a house.

Fred W. Strunk pleaded guilty this morning to three criminal charges: growing marijuana, money laundering and theft. He was sentenced to 12 years on the theft charge and 18 years for growing marijuana, with the sentences to be serve concurrently -- a move that will effectively give him an 18-year sentence.

He was ordered to serve at least 30% of his sentence, or a little over five years, before becoming eligible for parole.

He also must repay Tri-County Electric a total of $60,001 for electric power he stole from the utility to power the underground lights and other equipment that allowed him to grow the drug in the cave.

Tennessean


U.S. Cavers Forum: Trousdale County Tennessee Cave Bust

[L Roebuck]

Marijuana Cave Owner Sentenced

Fred Strunk, who was arrested last December in connection with the marijuana growing operation inside a cave in the Cato community of Trousdale County, was sentenced in a Wilson County court yesterday.

Strunk, who had been housed in the Macon County jail, pled guilty to the manufacture of more than 500 marijuana plants, for the 853 plants found last December. He was sentenced to 18 years, with a fine of $2,000 for that charge.

Strunk also pled guilty to money laundering and theft over $60,000 for the electricity he stole from Tri-County for the growing operation.

A twelve year sentence for the money laundering and another 12 years for the theft will run concurrent with the 18 year sentence.

He was fined another $2,000 for money laundering, and... ordered to pay $60,001 res-....Tri County Electric. Strunk was returned to the Macon County Jail.

David Durham, Assistant District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District and prosecutor for the 15th Judicial Task Force, praised Macon County officials for their part in the resolution of the five-year investigation.

“The participation of LPD Police Chief Jerry Dallas, Mayor Donoho, and Macon County officials as part of the 15th Judicial Task Force is unbelievable,” said Durham Tuesday morning.

“This case would never have been made without them, and the people of the county should be proud of their county officials,” he concluded.

No trial dates have been set for Brian Gibson or Greg Compton, the other two men arrested in the incident.

Macon County Times