Avondale Estates, GA – On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office conducted a search warrant at 2869 Washington Street in Avondale Estates after a month-long investigation. Agents had received information regarding a marijuana growing operation possibly being operated by Matthew Bradley Rexrode, age 56,

Inside the building, agents found over 400 marijuana plants.  The grow rooms had elaborate lighting and water systems that were set on timers.  A large air filtration system was used to diminish the smell (see photos).   Agents also found a room designed for drying plants prior to packaging for distribution and an industrial sized grinder that was valued at over $10,000.  Also seized was marijuana packaged for sale.

Agents secured an arrest warrant for Rexrode for trafficking in marijuana.  Rexrode was arrested at an address in the 3600 block of Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta. A search of the apartment found ten pounds of marijuana, cocaine, prescription pills and a device utilized in the cannabis oil extraction process. Agents also found $5,020.

Rexrode is currently in the DeKalb County Jail. Additional charges in Fulton County are anticipated. Also assisting in the investigation was the Avondale Estates Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, and the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.

The GBI West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office is in Carrollton, Georgia and services 35 counties. The office is comprised of members from the GBI, Carrollton Police Department, Villa Rica Police Department, Bowden Police Department, Lagrange Police Department, Peachtree City Police Department, Newnan Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Heard County Sheriff’s Office.

Joe Chesnut – Special Agent in Charge | Carrollton | [email protected]