Two Cass County men who illegally operated a considerable marijuana growing operation in Pokagon Township during the spring of 2014 are now facing a cold December reality.

Nicholas Dupuis, of Cassopolis, and Kristopher Moorman, of Dowagiac, were found guilty by Judge Michael Dodge of multiple drug related charges in a joint bench trial held on Tuesday in Cass County Circuit Court. These charges were manufacturing marijuana over 20 but under 200 plants, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana over 20 but under 200 plants, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug house.

Both men face up to seven years in prison for the conviction.

The two were arrested on April 1, following the execution of a search warrant by detectives with the Cass County Drug Enforcement team of a house Moorman was renting in Pokagon Township. Law enforcement discovered that the two 34-year-old men were engaged in growing, harvesting and processing marijuana in the house, which was used solely for their operations.

Seventy-eight plants and 1,400 grams of processed marijuana were recovered by authorities during their investigation of the residence.

Testimony establishing the guilt of the two defendants was provided by drug enforcement officers during the trial. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik tried the case on behalf of the people.

The two defendants are scheduled to be sentenced for their crimes in front of Judge Dodge at the Cass County Law and Courts Building on Jan. 16.