He said he just had a few little plants! Now a Laurel County man is facing felony charges after deputies said they found plenty of pot behind his home.

Neighbors said it is a quiet neighborhood, and they are worried about their kids.

Growing a garden this time of year is fairly common.

"For something like this to happen is sort of a shock," said Kermit Karr, a neighbor.

But Laurel County Sheriff's Deputies said 59 year-old Lionel Medley was growing greens of the illegal kind in this Lily neighborhood.

"Five plants or more, and it's a felony. That's why it's a serious offense because it is obvious it's not just for yourself," said Gilbert Acciardo, with the Laurel County Sheriff's Department.

Medley was arrested Thursday at his home on Richland Drive.

Authorities said they found twelve marijuana plants growing behind the house.

We heard noise coming from the home Friday, so we knocked on the door, but nobody answered.

We found Medley in London, where he was bailing out of jail.

"I just pled not guilty," said Medley, "It is embarrassing... I had one about a foot high."

Medley talked to us for a few minutes, and then he headed home.

"I'm supposed to utilize my rights to speak to my lawyer, and I'd like to utilize that right," said Medley.

We spoke with a number of other neighbors who did not want to go on camera. They said they are afraid for their safety.

Cultivating marijuana is a felony. Deputies said they were able to make the bust because of a tip.

Medley said he is innocent because the plants were not on his property.