Man pleads not guilty to pot possession

A Spring Grove man pleaded not guilty Friday to possession of nearly a pound of marijuana that police said they discovered while investigating another crime.

Lawrence Roechrich, 51, faces up to five years in prison if convicted of possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver but would also be eligible for probation.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Scott Hoffert said sheriff's police had been called to the 38000 block of 4th Avenue, where Roechrich resides, on July 12 to investigate a burglary.

Deputies were canvassing the neighborhood, Hoffert said, when one walked into a garage not far from the scene of the reported burglary.

Inside the garage, Hoffert said, they found Roechrich standing over a bag containing a little more than 15 ounces of marijuana.

Two 17-year-old males were also in the garage, Hoffert said, and were questioned by police then released without being charged.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for Nov. 8 and told Roechrich, who is free from custody on a signature bond, to appear in court Oct. 14.