Authorities said a 17-year-old high school student, who was the described as the main supplier of marijuana for Mason and Kings schools, has been arrested, along with several of his alleged suppliers.

The teen's arrested resulted in the recovery of more than $3 million worth of marijuana plants, officials from the Warren County Drug Task Force said Monday.

The year-long investigation into the alleged drug dealer led to the arrest of eight individuals and closure of three separate drug growing facilities, including ones in Hamilton, Blue Ash and Norwood, said Drug Task Force Commander John Burke. More than 600 plants were seized from the three locations, Burke said.

“This is a unique situation where we’ve been able to start at one level and move up the ladder to the source,” Burke said. “The case is made even more egregious because it involved juveniles.”

The 17-year-old had been dealing drugs since he was at least 15-years-old and being supplied by Michael Lopez of Cincinnati, said Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell. The 17-year-old had five to six fellow Mason High School students working under him and was bringing in $20,000 a month, hiding the money in his closet, Fornshell said. At the time of the student’s arrest, more than $6,000 in cash was found in his bedroom.

“The juvenile dealer was adamant about not dealing on school property. There were strict orders not to sell at Mason High School because (of fear they) would get caught and the punishment would be severe,” Fornshell said.

Through the student, investigators, using an undercover officer, were able to trace the supply of the drugs to three different individuals, each operating hydroponic grow houses at 2223 Noble Ave., Hamilton; 5628 Pemberton Ave., Norwood; and 4360 Creek Road, Blue Ash. The Blue Ash grow house had a furniture store that was used as a cover for the growing operation, Fornshell said.

Fornshell described the 17-year-old as “looking like someone who’d be in a church youth group or honor program.”

“He clearly had a high level of intelligence but it was very misguided,” Fornshell said. “I think the lesson for parents is to be involved in your children’s lives. If they seem to be getting money and you don’t know how, ask questions. Find out who their friends are.”

“The extent to which teenagers were involved is the most concerning aspect of this case,” Burke said.

Eight people were indicted on a variety of drug related charges. Those indicted were:

• Gerald Peele, 20, 4574 S. Shore, Mason

• Michael Lopez, 28, 5356 Edger Drive, Cincinnati

• Stacy Lampe, 28, 2219 Monroe St., Norwood

• Cody Lampe, 31, 2219 Monroe St., Norwood

• Justin Baker, 2937 Cypress Hill, Hamilton

• William Sparks, 57, 2233 Noble Ave., Hamilton

• Allen Honeycutt, 58, 10465 Shadyside, Cincinnati

The 17-year-old’s name was not released because he was still a juvenile and being charged in juvenile court, Fornshell said.

Mason City School Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline said that Mason officials routinely conduct surprise drug sweeps and provides programs on drug use and abuse for students as well as employing a school resource office.

“Our hope and expectation is that Mason City Schools will continue to do all we can to keep our schools and students safe from the dangers of drug use,” said Kist-Kline.  “We know that some of our students and families may struggle with drug abuse, and we want to continue to work with parents, faith institutions, and other community partners to create a drug-free community.”