Bond lowered for woman charged in Barrington pot-growing operation

One of two Barrington residents charged with running a marijuana-growing operation in their rental home had her bond reduced Tuesday.

Lake County Associate Judge Raymond Collins lowered the bond for Caitlin Bouffard, 20, from $250,000 to $100,000 after a brief hearing.

Bouffard and David Kierig, 22, were arrested April 16 when agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group raided their residence on the 200 block of Washington Street.

Police said they found 10 marijuana plants - each 5 to 6 feet tall - growing in the basement, and 19 pounds of processed marijuana.

Police said the house had undergone extensive modifications, and tens of thousands of dollars was spent on a lighting and watering system for the plants.

Digital scales, a cash counting machine, $1,440 in cash and a shotgun and ammunition were also seized during the raid.

Neither Kierig nor Bouffard has a state firearm owner's identification card, police said.

The marijuana confiscated has an estimated street value of $85,000, police said.

Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Scheller said the pair is charged with possession and production of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful use of a weapon.

Scheller said both would face mandatory prison sentences of six to 30 years if convicted of all the charges against them.

The case remains under review and other charges are possible, he said.

Waukegan attorney Geoffrey Howard argued Bouffard's bond should be reduced because she has no prior criminal history and has strong ties to the community.

Collins agreed to reduce the bond, which now requires Bouffard to post $10,000 in cash to be released, but said she would be under a 24-hour curfew if she is released.

Bouffard is due in court May 11. Kierig, who is held on $250,000 bond, is scheduled to appear April 23.