W. Chicago dad, daughter charged with growing pot

Authorities say a West Chicago man and his daughter had a crime in common: growing marijuana.

Andrew Aita, 49, and Kimber Aita, 23, were arrested Thursday after police searched their home on the 1000 block of Hahn Place and recovered 34 plants, prosecutors said in court Friday.

Assistant DuPage County State’s Attorney Nick Catizone said police found some of the plants in the elder Aita’s bedroom closet, and the rest in a basement. The daughter later told police she mixed “ higher and lower quality” marijuana to mark up and sell for a profit, Catizone said.

The father, who arrived home after the search and his daughter’s arrest, told authorities he was aware of plants growing in the basement, and he admitted he had grown some himself in his closet, Catizone said.

The defendants were each charged with production of cannabis. Kimber Aita was additionally charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

At a bond hearing Friday, Judge Michael Wolfe set bail at $50,000 for Andrew Aita and $35,000 for Kimber Aita. Both remained in the county jail Friday afternoon.

Court records show Andrew Aita was convicted of misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession in 2006, and his daughter was convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession in 2008.