Darien man charged in forest preserve cannabis bust

A Darien man is accused of growing marijuana plants in a DuPage County Forest Preserve and inside his home, authorities said Friday.

Carl J. Solorio, 47, of the 7400 block of Richmond Avenue, was arrested early this month and charged with unlawful production of cannabis and possession of cannabis. He is free on a $25,000 bond.

Forest preserve police said they began investigating Solorio last spring when an officer on foot patrol at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve found seven cannabis plants growing near a wooded area. The plants appeared to be an organized cultivation plot, officials said.

Officers began surveillance of the area using a hidden camera. The camera recorded three men tending to the plants and officials said one of them later was identified as Solorio.

An officer arrested Solorio on Aug. 5 as the man walked in the area carrying a partially concealed branch of cannabis. Authorities said Solorio led the officer to the growing site and admitted his involvement.

Police also interviewed Solorio later and said he admitted to having additional plants at his Darien home. Authorities searched his home and said they discovered 16 more plants growing in his yard, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana in his yard shed.

A state-certified evidence technician, the DuPage County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and Darien police are assisting with the continuing investigation.