A Ford County marijuana-growing operation was busted up by authorities, resulting the arrest of a rural Clifton man.

60-year-old James Crane will face charges in Ford County Circuit Court. The operation was discovered in the Kempton area. KAMEG agents investigated the case since last October. Crane was arrested Monday. Agents seized an estimated 1600 cannabis plants, totaling about 700 pounds.

Ford County State's Attorney Randy Yedinak said that in October 2013, agents from the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group began an investigation into a possible cannabis grow in rural Kempton.

Felony charges against Crane include possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. He was jailed in Paxton on a $200,000 bond.

Ford County State's Attorney Randy Yedinak is also looking into seizing Crane's interest in 76 acres of land used to grow the illegal crop.

94.1 WGFA