Grow house arrests net counterfeit cash

One of the two suspects arrested in a grow house bust by the Citrus County Sheriff’s 

Office is facing additional drug charges as well as possession-of-counterfeit-money charges.

Christopher Garifalos, 37, and Michele Hunt Mederos, 49, of Inverness, were arrested Tuesday and face several drug charges. Mederos is charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell and lease or rent a place for the purpose of trafficking. She has a $10,000 bond. Garifalos’ bond is $37,500.

Garifalos faces several drug possession charges related to the grow house operation, which netted 28 marijuana plants. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s Tactical Impact Unit also reportedly took into evidence three grams of marijuana, six grams of hash, two digital scales and other paraphernalia.

According to investigators, while searching Garifalos’ room they found $1,180 in counterfeit money bearing the same serial number and in various denominations. Investigators also found in a bottle labeled “stool softener” which contained 10 methadone pills and a valium.

According to the report, investigators also uncovered documents detailing marijuana growhouse tips belonging Garifalos.

Mederos and Garifalos refused to talk to investigators and asked for attorneys.

They were arrested and transported to the Citrus County Detention Center.

Contact Chronicle reporter A.B. Sidibe at 352-564-2925 or asidibe@chronicleonline.com.