St. Charles brothers accused of possessing, growing pot

Two St. Charles brothers have been charged with possession of marijuana and growing up to 50 plants in their home.

Derek J. Sutcliffe, 30, and Joseph W. Sutcliffe, 27, both of the 6N0-99 block of Denker Road, were arrested this week on a warrant issued by the North Central Narcotics Task Force, a unit of the Illinois State Police, according to Kane County court records.

Derek Sutcliffe is charged with possession of up to 2,000 grams of marijuana, as well as growing between 20 and 50 marijuana plants. Charges also include four counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, records show.

Joseph Sutcliffe has been charged with possession of 30 grams to 500 grams of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, records show.

A message left for Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Bill Backus, who serves as director of the task force, was not immediately returned Tuesday.

According to court records, the Sutcliffe brothers are accused of marijuana possession in early December,

Both Sutcliffe brothers have been released from the Kane County jail after posting bond. Their respective court dates were not immediately available.

If convicted of the most severe charge, Derek Sutcliffe faces up to seven years in prison. He doesn't have any previous criminal arrests in Kane County, records show.

Joseph Sutcliffe faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the most severe charge. He received and completed two years of probation after an arrest in May 2008 by sheriff's deputies on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance, records show.