BEDFORD — One Montvale parent will spend a year in prison while the other awaits sentencing for growing marijuana in their home, around their 2-year-old child.
Jason Lee Mason and his wife, Joanie Leigh Mason, of Montvale, were called major marijuana suppliers by law enforcement at the time of their arrest.
Bedford County Circuit Court Judge James Updike sentenced Jason Mason to five years in prison but suspended all but 12 months on the charges of manufacturing or possession with intent to distribute marijuana and manufacturing with intent to distribute less than five pounds of marijuana. He was also sentenced to 12 months suspended for a misdemeanor child neglect charge.
Sentencing was delayed on Joanie Mason until January, after which their child will live with grandparents.
Deputies searched the Masons’ house at 8656 Pike Road in April on a search warrant. There, they seized 72 marijuana plants, two pounds of packaged marijuana, scales, equipment for growing the pot and nine guns.
One pound of the drug was found in the bedroom of the couple’s 2-year-old child.
Jason Mason was selling about two pounds of marijuana per week, according to testimony. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Mark Robinette said Jason Mason admitted to using the proceeds of the sale to pay household bills.
Jason Mason is expected to report to serve his year in prison on Jan. 2. Joanie Mason will be sentenced on Jan. 13.
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