Barrington couple held in marijuana growing operation

A Barrington couple was ordered held on $250,000 bond each Saturday after being charged with growing marijuana in their basement.

David Kierig, 23, and Caitlin Bouffard, 20, were arrested when agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group served a search warrant on their residence in the 200 block of Washington Street on Friday afternoon.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ji Un Saw said police found 10 marijuana plants which were between 5 feet and 6 feet tall in the house.

The agents also discovered grow lights and a watering and fertilizing system that had been set up for the plants, she said.

Nearly 19 pounds of cultivated marijuana, digital scales, $1,440 in cash and a money counting machine also were confiscated in the raid, Saw said.

Police estimated the street value of all the marijuana found in the house at $85,000, she said.

The couple, who told police they are engaged to be married, is charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver and face mandatory prison sentences of between six and 30 years if convicted, Saw said.

Associate Judge Raymond Collins set bond for the pair, which requires them to post $25,000 in cash to be released from jail.

Collins ordered them to have no contact with each other until the case is resolved.

Kierig was ordered to appear in court again April 23, while Bouffard has a May 11 court date.