Alleged Haddam Pot Grower Pleads Not Guilty

A 22-year-old Higganum man pleaded not guilty to a list of charges stemming from allegations that he was was growing over 8 pounds of marijuana in his apartment.

Aaron Lehet entered not guilty pleas on Aug. 15 to the drug charges during an appearance in Middlesex Superior Court. A superior court judge ordered Lehet to report to an Alternative Incarceration Center, meaning Lehet will have to comply with a series of court orders — including random drug tests — while he remains at liberty on a $1,000 bond.

Lehet was arrested after state police and agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency ascended on his 8 Depot Hill Road home on Aug. 7 following an investigation into alleged drug activity there.

According to court files, police say Lehet was running a marijuana growing operation with 3,700 grams of narcotics, growing lights and other paraphernalia.

Court documents detail how the home was “in complete disarray” with mold and animal feces throughout. Officers seized two dogs from the apartment and took them to Haddam Animal Control Office.

After Lehet’s arraignment on Aug. 8, a judge released him on a promise to appear back in court.

On Aug. 22, police said he broke into the Haddam dog pound to get his two pitbull dogs back, however Trooper Enrico Milardo caught him before he could escape in his Jeep.

Lehet is due back in court on Oct. 31.