Neighbors stunned by huge pot grow operation inside Akron home

AKRON, Ohio - People living in a West Akron neighborhood are still stunned after police discovered a huge pot growing operation that officers called "one of the most elaborate" they've seen.

On Friday evening, police responded to 625 Treeside Dr. on a possible domestic dispute. Instead, offices found a hydroponic grow operation that basically covered the entire basement.

Officers seized 184 pot plants, fans, ventilation tubing, grow lights and digital scales.

"There were like four by four tubs with dirt, plants growing in various stages. It had a ventilation system and an irrigation system. There was one whole room that had nothing, but like a desk that was used for an office, and chemicals. All kind of chemicals," said Lt. Rick Edwards

Officers also seized 30 large jars filled with dry pot and a shoebox that had nearly $32,000 inside.

Clifton Lockhart, 27, and Dominque Williams, 24, were arrested on various drug charges. During her court appearance, Williams said she's a nurse.

"I make $23.50 an hour," Williams told the judge.

Next door neighbor Leslie Grubbs, a mother of five kids, said she had no clue so much pot was grown and stashed so close to her family's house.

"I was naive. I really didn't know what was going on. There weren't a lot of people coming or going. It wasn't loud," Grubbs said.

Another neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Lockhart seemed like a kind and generous father.

"(He is) just a very nice guy, wonderful kids, played with my children, bought ice cream for the kids in the neighborhood," the neighbor said.

Police said Lockhart's kids were not at the home when the drug operation was shut down.

Still, Grubbs said she was very disturbed by the discovery of the illegal drugs and had a simple message to her neighbor.

"I think it would have been better just to have a good job and be a daddy for your kids," Grubbs said.

Lockhart was being held in the Summit County Jail as of Monday afternoon. Williams was released on bond.