Hanover Park man accused of growing pot

A Hanover Park man who authorities say used three bedrooms in his house for the sole purpose of growing marijuana was held on $100,000 bail Friday.

Michael Paulsen, 49, was charged with the manufacture and delivery of marijuana late Thursday following a search of his home by members of the Illinois State Police North Central Narcotics Task Force, who said they recovered marijuana plants with a street value of $92,000.

Task force members received a tip earlier this month about a "cannabis grow operation" at a home on the 8100 block of Northway Drive, according to Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Caitlin Casey.

Agents knocked on the door and were greeted by a female resident, Casey said. Agents detected an odor of marijuana and asked for permission to search the home, which the woman granted, Casey said.

Officers recovered 46 plants, most about 4 feet tall, from three bedrooms, Casey said.

Agents also seized a digital scale and 2,060 grams of a green leafy substance, which they suspect is marijuana, Casey said. The suspected marijuana has a street value of $41,200, Casey said.

Paulsen was arrested when he arrived at the home. If convicted of the most serious charge, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Paulsen next appears in court on Feb. 3.