A Valley Falls man admits he was growing marijuana in his home with the intent to distribute it.

50-year-old Michael Leslie pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Investigators found 37 live marijuana plants and 20 pounds of processed marijuana when they served a search warrant at his home in November. They also seized 20 grow lights, 30 bags of Miracle Grow, a carbon dioxide generator, dehumidifiers, 39 pairs of scissors and other tools for growing and processing marijuana.

Prosecutors say investigators learned of Leslie's drug trafficking activities during spring 2007 when undercover agents were conducting an investigation into an alleged methamphetamine trafficking operation in Topeka. Investigators recorded phone calls in which Leslie arranged to obtain cocaine from suspects in volved in that case.

Leslie is set for sentencing August 26th. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $500,000.