Texas County authorities checking the well being of a 12-year-old juvenile Tuesday afternoon near Cabool discovered an “indoor grow operation” that led to multiple felony child endangerment and drug charges.
Jeffrey M. Lee, Jr., 33, is charged with four felonies: abuse of a child; endangering the welfare of a child; manufacturing of a controlled substance in a residence with a child; and possession of methamphetamine. He also faces misdemeanor charges for possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Lt. Melissa Dunn of the Texas County Sheriff’s Department said authorities went to Lee’s residence on Hwy. 38 at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the request of a family member. There was a short standoff, Dunn said, as Lee refused to respond. He finally relented when authorities threatened to break down the door.
Based on information deputies gathered at the scene, Dunn said authorities returned about one hour later with a search warrant. Lee was arrested shortly thereafter.
Lee is being held at the Texas County Jail with a $100,000 bond.