PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Providence man has admitted to his role in a large-scale marijuana-growing operation inside a former mill building.
Authorities say Richard Yang pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Providence to conspiracy to manufacture over 100 marijuana plants and related crimes.
The FBI executed multiple search warrants in August 2015 at a converted mill building on Branch Avenue and found about 1,400 marijuana plants growing inside numerous vacant apartments and offices. Authorities found another 100 plants in a Valley Street home. The FBI also seized a gun and about $14,000 in cash.
The 36-year-old Yang is one of eight individuals indicted in February 2016 for operating marijuana grow facilities inside the building.
Yang is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 23. He faces five to 40 years in prison.
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