HIGHLAND – A 60-year-old Highland man has been arrested and charged in connection with a marijuana growing operation.

Robert Scevola was charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree, a felony, and issuing a bad check.

Ulster County Sheriff’s deputies had gone to 307 Vineyard Avenue on a complaint of a bad check. They noticed signs of an indoor marijuana growing operation and notified the URGENT task force.

The task force investigated, executed a search warrant and found a basement grow room with 18 large marijuana plants with grow lights, ballasts, fertilizers, planter pots, irrigating equipment and blowers. Police also found loose marijuana and a .22 caliber handgun.

Scevola was arrested in the Kingston area.