WORCESTER – A father and son will appear in federal court in Worcester on Tuesday for the first day of a jury trial to face allegations they used their family plumbing business as a front for a marijuana growth operation.
Authorities discovered $6 million worth of marijuana at three locations owned by the family.
According to federal documents, Thomas Laverty, of Clinton and his father, Charles Laverty of Millbury face one count each of conspiracy to manufacture more than 1,000 marijuana plants and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Additionally, Thomas Laverty is charged with one count and Charles with two counts of manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, their business, Chuck Laverty & Son Inc., was used as a front for a large-scale, commercial marijuana cultivation and distribution operation. Laverty & Son vehicles, bank accounts, and locations were used to facilitate drug manufacturing, storage and distribution.
On Oct. 17, 2017, two search warrants were executed, one at the business warehouse in Clinton, which is attached to Thomas Laverty’s residence, where agents found a commercial-style marijuana grow operation, including more than 1,000 plants; and another at the residence of Charles and Andrea Laverty in Millbury, where agents found a large quantity of marijuana being dried and processed, as well as another marijuana grow operation.
The jury trial starts at 9 AM on Tuesday. Judge Timothy S. Hillman will preside.
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