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Probation for Elgin man caught growing pot plants

An Elgin man was sentenced to two years of probation this week after admitting to growing more than 20 marijuana plants in a secret room in his home.

Authorities found the plants and the secret 10-foot by 3-foot room after responding to a fire May 23 at the home of Robert L. Smith, 56, of the 0-99 block of Jerusha Avenue, according to an Elgin police report.

Smith on Wednesday pleaded guilty to production of cannabis plants, a felony that carried a top prison term of five years, in exchange for prosecutors dismissing other, less serious charges, according to court records.

Also as part of the plea, which was accepted by Judge John Barsanti, Smith must perform 50 hours of community service and pay $3,630 in fines and fees, records show.

An assistant fire chief found a "suspicious room" hidden between the living room and bathroom containing a metallic sheet, grow lights and seven medium sized plants that later tested positive as marijuana at an Illinois State Police lab, the report said.

Authorities also found 10 more plants in a bedroom closet and six more in a bathroom closet, the report said.

After being read his Miranda Rights, Smith admitted there was a secret door to access the hidden room.

"Smith stated he grows the plants for his own personal use and does not sell it," the report said.

Smith was released after questioning to go to a hospital for a minor burn on his back that he sustained battling the fire, which started in a cordless drill battery charger and got out of control, the report said.

Authorities later obtained an arrest warrant and he turned himself in June 3.

A message left with Smith's defense attorney, Timothy Mahoney, was not returned Thursday.

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