Cops: Sugar Grove man grew 76 pot plants

A 35-year-old Sugar Grove man is charged with growing 76 marijuana plants at his home.

Cale C. Hand, of the 0-99 block of Winthrop New Road, was arrested this week by the North Central Narcotics Task Force and charged with a felony production of 50 to 200 cannabis plants and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police.

The most serious charge, if convicted, carries a three- to seven-year prison sentence, but probation also is an option.

Bill Backus, director of the task force, said authorities arrested Hand after executing a search warrant at about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday at Hand’s home in unincorporated Sugar Grove.

Authorities estimate the value of each plant to be $2,000 based on potential yield, so the crop has a street value of $152,000, Backus said.

He declined to say what prompted the investigation of Hand.

“It was a proactive investigation for the task force,” Backus said. “Based on my professional experience, I do not think (the cannabis) was for personal use. However, that is something that will be decided by the court.

Hand posted 10 percent of $20,000 bail and is free pending trial. He is next due in Kane County court on Wednesday.