West Chicago man charged in pot-growing operation

A West Chicago man faces numerous charges in connection with the operation of a sophisticated cannabis-growing operation police discovered in the basement of his home Thursday morning on the 900 block of Knollwood Lane, authorities said Friday.

Robert Williams, 50, was charged with unlawful manufacture of cannabis sativa plants, unlawful possession of cannabis, and unlawful production or possession of cannabis sativa plants, police said. Unlawful manufacture of cannabis sativa plants is a felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison.

Police said they executed a search warrant at Williams' home assisted by agents from the Department of Homeland Security.

They said they discovered a sophisticated cannabis growing operation that covered nearly half the floor space in the basement. Police said they seized more than 70 mature cannabis plants along with grow lamps and air circulation and venting equipment.

The plants weighed about 70 pounds, authorities said, with a street value of about $210,000.

"This was the largest growing operation we have seen in the city of West Chicago during my 20-year career," Detective Sgt. Julio Calabrese said in a news release.

Police said the arrest was the result of a monthslong investigation.