Police: NJ man who posted photos of pot plants arrested

WINSLOW TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities have charged a man who they say posted online photos that showed him with marijuana plants he was growing at an abandoned lot in southern New Jersey.

Based on tips that Winslow Township police received about three weeks ago, officers arrested 20-year-old Connor Kennedy of Sicklerville on charges of possessing and intent to distribute marijuana.

Cops were investigating reports someone was illegally growing pot in the backyard of an abandoned house on Brearley Drive.

"In this case surveillance was initiated, cameras were placed in various locations, to help identify the suspect involved," said Det. Donald Lemons.

Once they identified Kennedy, detectives checked his social media and there they found pictures of Kennedy with the pot plants. They were able to place him in the yard using data embedded in the photos he posted on Instagram and Tumblr.

"The geo tag goes on the picture, and then we can extract that to find out where the location was," said Det. Darren Dogostino.

"By posting this stuff on social media, it's out there and you can't erase it and it doesn't go away," said Lt. John Leahey. "Sometimes we see it and this is what happens."

Kennedy, who lives near the house where he was allegedly growing the pot plants, was processed and released. Police say his case is an example of a bad decision that worked in law enforcement's favor, because posting those pictures online helped them make their case against him

"Sometimes people brag about the wrong things," said Capt. Richard Ostermueller. "And this one came back to haunt him."