Probation, $34,000 fine in Elgin indoor pot growing case
A 55-year-old Elgin man was sentenced to three years probation and fined a little more than $34,000 after pleading guilty to possession of more than 50 marijuana plants, according to court records.
Justin B. Brooks was arrested in October 2012 after members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force, a special unit of the Illinois State Police, searched his home in the 9N700 block of Whispering Springs Lane.
Authorities said they seized 77 plants worth an estimated $154,000. Equipment for the growing operation, packaging materials and scales also were seized, officials said.
Brooks served two days in jail before posting bond and initially pleaded not guilty in mid-February, according to court records.
Brooks reached a plea agreements this week, admitting to possession of between 50 and 200 marijuana plants, a felony that was eligible for probation but also carried a top prison term of seven years.
If Brooks violates probation before March 2016, he could be resentenced to time behind bars.
Brooks' defense attorney, James Tatooles, did not return a phone message seeking comment.
Kane County Judge Karen Simpson accepted the plea.
Brooks did not have any previous felony arrests in Kane County before the October arrest.