WICHITA — Two Ellis County residents have been charged in federal court on drug-related charges, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.

In a news release, Grissom’s office said Joseph Anthony Ransom, 29, Ellis, and Carly Marie Dreiling, 21, Hays, have been charged with one count of growing 181 marijuana plants in the basement of their residence, one count of possessing 181 marijuana plants, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 25 in Ellis County.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each of the drug charges; and a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.