Trio admits growing marijuana in house

Three Wauconda residents were placed on probation Tuesday after admitting they had marijuana growing in a house they lived in.

Robert Pace, 29, and two live-in guests at his house in the 600 block of Lakedale Row pleaded guilty to misdemeanor production of marijuana during a hearing before Associate Judge George Bridges.

Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Demartini said agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group served a search warrant at the house on Nov. 4.

They found 17 marijuana plants under grow lights in a common hallway of the home, Demartini said.

Pace, William Blume, 56, and Linda Halinski, 46, were all taken into custody and charged with felony production of marijuana.

Demartini said he agreed to reduce the charge against all three to a misdemeanor in exchange for their guilty pleas.

Associate Judge George Bridges placed Pace on probation for two years, fined him $500 and ordered him to perform 100 hours of community service.

Blume and Halinski were each placed on probation for one year, fined $100 and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

Demartini said all three could have faced up to three years in prison if convicted of the original charge.