A Mercer County man pleaded guilty Monday in Butler County Court to having a marijuana grow operation in the basement of his then-Evans City home.

John E. Smeltzer, 37, of Greenville, pleaded guilty to felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance before Judge William Shaffer.

The plea agreement calls for probation and fines or community service. Sentencing is set for May 10.

Evans City Seven Fields Regional Police filed the charges after an incident in the 200 block of Hill Street on Aug. 29.

Butler police initially received a tip saying two men with felony warrants were at the Evans City Home — Dakota McFarland and Jeremiah Fleeger — who were wanted on aggravated assault and strangulation charges, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Officers from Jackson Township, Adams Township and state police troopers surrounded the home before the door was answered by a man who was not charged in the incident. That man reported that Smeltzer, the homeowner, was inside, as well as McFarland sleeping in the basement, police said.

Fleeger was not found at the home, police said.

Inside the basement, police said, a marijuana grow operation was found, with 12 total plants and seeds in a pill bottle. Assorted medications pulled out of capsules and separated on plates were also found, as well as three bongs, six pipes, four grinders and a scale.

Two other cases were dismissed as part of the plea, including charges of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance from an incident on Aug. 30; and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and summary disorderly conduct on Sept. 10.

Smeltzer was released on his own recognizance and is awaiting sentencing.