A central Florida man is facing charges following a house fire that authorities say led them to discovering a marijuana grow operation.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office reports that 25-year-old Reinaldo Fernandez was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree arson, cultivation of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and owning or renting a structure known to manufacture drugs.
A news release says that deputies responded to a fire on the Winter Haven home, which led them to discovering the grow operation. Detectives reported finding 33 mature marijuana plants in two rooms, along with equipment used to grow the plants.
The State Fire Marshal also responded and determined the fire was caused by an illegal electric tap.
Jail records didn't list an attorney for Fernandez.
