ROSAMOND, Calif. -- The Kern County Sheriff's Department said that they found several hundred marijuana plants with a street value of over $974,000 dollars were seized Thursday evening.

Around 5:30 p.m., a deputy from the Rosamond substation was conducting a follow up investigation to a report of a theft at a residence in Rosamond.

The deputy said he contacted Ronald Middleton, 57, at his residence.

During the investigation, the deputy discovered signs of possible indoor marijuana grow in a separated shed located on the property, the KCSD reported.

The deputy detained Middleton and several other deputies also responded to assist him.

Further investigation determined there were several dangerous situations at the house involving the marijuana, the KCSD reported.

Due to this risk deputies from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) were requested to respond.

The HIDTA deputies determined there was a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing and cultivation operation at the residence.

The KCSD said several hundred mature and immature marijuana plants were seized with an estimated street value of $974,000 dollars

Middleton was arrested on charges of cultivation and utility theft.

He was transported to KCSO’s Central Receiving Facility where he was booked on the above listed charges.