Sheriff: Man grew marijuana plants

PISTAKEE HIGHLANDS – A 42-year-old Pistakee Highlands man could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and $77,500 in fines for allegedly growing marijuana in his home.

McHenry County sheriff’s deputies discovered 112 marijuana plants growing in the home of Michael T. Brennan, 710 W. Pheasant Trail, last week. Officers smelled raw marijuana at the home when they arrived to perform a well-being check, police said.

Brennan, who rents the ranch home, was alone at the time.

Sheriff’s police also recovered about 425 grams of marijuana, four items of drug paraphernalia and lighting equipment. The estimated value of the narcotics seized is $10,760.

The 425 grams of marijuana was not harvested from the plants that Brennan allegedly grew, Zinke said. The plants all were fairly young and ranged in size from small starter plants to 1 foot tall.

Zinke said drug possession was becoming more common in the neighborhood.

“It’s a trend we’re starting to see,” he said.

Brennan has been charged with a Class 2 felony for production of marijuana plants, a Class 3 felony for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a Class 4 felony for marijuana possession, and a Class A misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brennan was taken into custody Monday, and his next court appearance is Feb. 18.