More charges in Barrington drug growing operation

Additional charges could be filed against a couple accused of running a marijuana-growing operation in their rental home near downtown Barrington, police said Monday.

David N. Kierig, 23, and Caitlin C. Bouffard 20, of the 200 block of Washington Street, have been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, unlawful manufacture of cannabis, unlawful production of cannabis plants, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful use of a weapon.

The investigation is ongoing, and Barrington Detective Sgt. Kevin Croke said Monday that charges could be added or enhanced because the marijuana-growing operation was within 1,000 feet of St. Anne Catholic School.

The Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group made the bust April 16 after receiving information about drug sales taking place at the two-story home in a residential neighborhood. After obtaining a search warrant, police discovered almost 19 pounds of marijuana and seven actively growing plants. Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ji Un Saw said the 10 marijuana plants police found in the house were between 5 feet and 6 feet tall.

The street value of the processed marijuana seized was about $85,000, and the value of the plants were about $3,000.

The home had undergone extensive modifications - police estimate tens of thousands of dollars were spent on a lighting and watering system in the basement. Police said other modifications were made to the first and second floor to hide the operation.

After searching the house, police found a shotgun with ammunition in the master bedroom, and neither Kierig nor Bouffard had a state registration to own or possess a gun or ammunition, police said Needles and spoons typical of heroin use were also found in the house, police said.

Both Kierig and Bouffard, who told police they are engaged to be married, are now in jail in lieu of $250,000 bonds. Kierig's next court date is Friday, April 23, and Bouffard's is May 11.