Loud TV Led to Brandon Grow House Bust: Deputies

BRANDON, FL — When Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at a Brandon home early Monday morning in response to a domestic disturbance call, they quickly learned a loud television was to blame for a complaint received about a dispute in the home.

Deputies, however, couldn’t quite help but notice a “strong odor of marijuana emitting from the residence” in the 700 block of Chilt Drive, an email from the agency said. That odor prompted authorities to obtain a search warrant for the premises shortly after clearing the original 4:54 a.m. Nov. 21 disturbance call.

With a warrant in hand, deputies went inside the home and found the garage had been converted to grow marijuana, the email said. They also found 18.35 pounds of processed marijuana worth about $36,700 on the street, deputies said.

TECO was called out to investigate the possible theft of electricity. As it turned out, TECO reported an illegal electrical connection had provided the home with an estimated $5,185.70 in stolen electricity, the email added.

Barbara Wilson, 42, and Eduardo Jesus Estevez Aguilera, 34, now face possession of cannabis and grand theft charges. Since three children also lived in the home with the pair, deputies added three counts of child neglect, as well, the email said.

No further information is available at this time.

Booking photos courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office