Two men charged with growing marijuana in the Cherokee National Forest were sentenced on Monday to serve two years in federal prison.
Charles Hughes and Rick Welch appeared before Federal Judge Sandy Mattice.
Federal authorities said the pair had a patch of 100 or more marijuana plants in the Brushy Creek area near Forest Service Road 332102.
Welch's attorney pointed out that he is a Vietnam veteran who won several combat medals.
The 61-year-old Welch said he lost his home, two pieces of property and his wife of over 30 years.
He said, "I didn't realize the impact this would have on me and my family."
He said he was working a job mowing when he got involved in the scheme.
He said, "I should have continued mowing grass instead of growing grass."