Geneva man gets probation for growing 69 pot plants
A 49-year-old Geneva man was sentenced to two years of probation this week after pleading guilty to growing 69 marijuana plants on the side of his home, according to Kane County court records.
Gregory T. Panzer, of the 200 block of Division Street, also must pay $5,495 in court fines and fees.
He could be resentenced to up to seven years in prison if he violates probation.
Under the plea agreement, which was accepted by Kane County Judge Karen Simpson, prosecutors dismissed less serious charges of possession of 30 grams to 500 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records.
According to a Geneva Police report, authorities were investigating another matter on Sept. 4, 2013, when one of Panzer's neighbors told officers Panzer had been growing marijuana and it was visible by peeking over his fence.
Officer took photos of the plants and talked to Panzer, who gave authorities permission to go into his backyard and home.
The plants ranged from 11 inches in height to about 4½ feet tall.
Until last September's arrest, Panzer did not have any criminal offenses in Kane County, records show.