No time for pot growers

Two men who were caught cultivating 120 marijuana plants in an office building in the business district of Chula Vista have been placed on three years probation.

No jail time was ordered for Stephen Foster Abbott, 27, and Joseph Anthony Aon, 26, but Chula Vista Superior Court

Judge Kathleen Lewis suspended a 180-day jail term for Aon if he doesn’t complete a drug rehabilitation facility.
Deputy District Attorney David McNees said Aon is currently in a 180-day treatment program. Abbott was ordered to perform 30 days of public service work and both were fined.

They were arrested Dec. 9, 2011, after Chula Vista Police received a complaint about the business near L Street on Bay Boulevard.

A surveillance operation was conducted and they discovered 120 marijuana plants and a growing operation inside the business.

They both pleaded guilty to the felony of cultivating marijuana and a charge of possession of marijuana for sale was dropped. The DA’s Office decided against seeking a prison term.

Abbott lives in Spring Valley and Aon is from Jamul.