BANGOR – The sentencing of three men convicted of charges stemming from a sophisticated marijuana operation in the woods of Washington County has been delayed.

A federal judge in Bangor announced Wednesday that he was going to proceed with sentencing of a corporation in which one of the defendants was an owner.

Nearly 3,000 marijuana plants were found on remote plots in Washington County in 2009, leading to charges against three men. 2009 Maine Drug Enforcement Agency photo

But the sentencings of three individuals, Malcolm French of Enfield, Rodney Russell of South Thomaston, and Kendall Chase of Bradford, was delayed.

They were arrested and convicted after officials raided a marijuana-growing operation hidden in the woods and swamps in Township 37 in Washington County.

Officials say the operation featured bunkhouses and migrant workers. Drug agents seized nearly 3,000 plants valued at $9 million in 2009.