Ex American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar  was hiding a secret during his time on the show: his mother was sent to prison  for running a marijuana growing operation.

The National Enquirer has unearthed legal records that show Jillian Blyth was arrested in Pierce County, in 2005 after police discovered the operation, which was taking place out of her garage.

According to the documents neighbors reported smelling marijuana and noticed a large vent on the garage roof, and alerted police. Cops discovered 310 marijuana plants, and growing lights. 

When they asked Sanjaya�s then 17 year old sister Shyamali of her whereabouts, she told officers that her mother was at another location in Washington, when the police got there, they found a second marijuana-growing operation.

Blyth pleaded guilty to one felony count of unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance. She faced up to five years behind bars, but was sentenced to just 30 days.

"She's very lucky," said a local law enforcement source. "The judge obviously went easy on her because of her kids and the fact that she had no prior record."

Sanjaya, who was 15 at the time, moved in with his aunt whilst his mother was in prison, a source reveals to the publication: "Sanjaya had no choice but to live with his aunt because his mom was behind bars. His mom's arrest was heartbreaking enough, but having her go to jail was devastating. Sanjaya has covered up his anguish ever since. Despite everything, he still loves his mom dearly and trusts her."