An NIU electrician was recently arrested for growing marijuana at his barn in Mt. Morris.

Ogle County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Lawrence W. Vickers, 54, of Mt. Morris, on Oct. 21 for unauthorized production or possession of cannabis sativa plants, according to a press release issued by Ogle County Sheriff Michael Harn.

The press release stated the deputies executed a search warrant at 7:08 p.m. on Oct. 21 of Vickers’s barn, located at 7366 N. Adeline Rd. In a “concealed room” inside the barn deputies, found a hydroponic cannabis growing operation, according to the press release.

According to an Oregon Republican Reporter article, Vickers was transported to Ogle County Jail and was released after he posted a $10,000 bond.

Jesse Perez, assistant director of labor relations, said Vickers has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of a university investigation.