In a news release dated Sept. 6, the Office of the District Attorney of Lehigh County announced arrests in a marijuana growing operation in Lower Macungie Township.

Charges brought against 11 defendants in the case include allegations of illegal drug production, drug trafficking and money laundering happening between June 2019 and May 2021 in the area of the 8100 block of Spring Creek Road, Lower Macungie Township.

In the news release, authorities provide the following information:

Those charged include Andrey Alexandrin, 41, of Allentown; Jason Sam, 47, of Allentown; Daniel Severo, 63, of Alburtis; Michelle Severo, 63, of Alburtis all of whom are charged with allegedly dealing in unlawful proceeds and conspiracy to commit dealing in unlawful proceeds. The charges are felonies of the first degree. Those charged also face felony charges of alleged possession with intent to deliver or manufacture a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver or manufacture a controlled substance.

Also charged are Angelo Severo, 36, of Alburtis; Michael Cleaveland, 40, of Morrisville, Chris Giacobbe, 64, of Emmaus; Timothy Rowell, 43, of Chalfont; George Trusdell, 50, of Chalfont; David Seip, 44, of Kutztown and John Moore, 65, of Alburtis. They are all charged with alleged possession with intent to deliver or manufacture a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver or manufacture a controlled substance. The charges are felonies.

The charges resulted from an investigation by Lehigh County’s 11th investigating grand jury, according to authorities.

The jurors served from July 29, 2021 to June 16, 2023, according to the news release.

Investigators included County Detective/Sgt. Chris Cruz and Detective Chad Ellis, on temporary duty assignment from the South Whitehall Township Police Department.

The grand jury heard testimony from witnesses presented by Chief Deputy District Attorney Diane M. Marakovits and Chief Deputy District Attorney Craig W. Scheetz, according to authorities.

The grand jury’s case was sealed by Anna-Kristie Marks, supervising judge of the grand jury, which means further details in the case will not be released at this time, according to the news release.