Investigators for the Butler County Sheriff's Office arrested three individuals last week in two separate incidents involving the possession and distribution of marijuana.

In the first incident, BCSO officials working in cooperation with the Greenville Police Department set up a sting operation to purchase a quarter pound of marijuana from a local suspect on June 16.

Investigators indicate that the meeting place was changed by investigators at the last minute, raising the suspicions of the suspect.

BCSO Chief Deputy Kenny Harden said investigators approached the suspect about the buy, but were unable to locate any marijuana in his possession at the time.

Harden said that after questioning, the suspect led them to the location of more that six ounces of marijuana prepared for sale and valued at more that $450.

Clarence McMeans, a 22-year-old black male from Norvell Street in Greenville, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, first degree, a felony, and was transported to the Butler County Jail.

Also arrested was Derrick D. Williams, a 28-year-old black male from World Street in Greenville, who was a passenger in McMeans vehicle at the time. Williams was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit and was transported to the Butler County Jail. Williams was later released on a $3,000 bond. McMeans, however, is still being held for a probation violation.

In a separate incident, BSCO investigators arrested William Alvin McNaughton, a 65-year-old white male from South Shackleville Road, following a tip from a concerned citizen that McNaughton was growing marijuana at his residence.

Upon investigation of the tip, deputies found two marijuana plants approximately three feet tall growing near McNaughton's home.

Officials estimate the plants would have been worth approximately $2,000 each had they been allowed to reach maturity.

McNaughton turned himself in to the Butler County Jail on June 20, and was charged with possession of marijuana, second degree. He was later released on a $3,000 bond.