DENVER, COLORADO (BNO NEWS) – A Denver man was arrested Tuesday after trying to distribute more ten 200 marijuana plants, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Chris Bartkowicz, age 36, of Highlands Ranch, was charged for possession with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense 224 marijuana plants.

DEA agents read an article on the internet that referred to an individual who was operating a marijuana cultivation operation. The writer interviewed Bartkowicz, who stated he was operating in the basement of his $637,000 Highlands Ranch home that had a large network electrical wires and water hoses from room to room. According to the article, Bartkowicz owed $3,694.92 for the last two months of electrical service.

Bartkowicz was contacted by law enforcement, asking for his consent to search the residence, which he signed. During the search, agents and officers confiscated approximately 224 marijuana plants (approximate 119 in various stages with root systems) and approximately 105 “clones” or “starter” plants.

Marijuana may be grown for medicinal purposes but must be in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws. The state allows 3 full grown plants and 3 fledgling plants, which Bartkowicz considerably exceeded.

If convicted, Bartkowicz faces a prison term of at least 5 years and maximum 40 years in federal prison, as well as a $2,000,000 fine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was in charge of the investigation.