Admitted marijuana chef found guilty

Bradley Munts' taste in recipe spices got him into hot water Monday in Lake County circuit court.

Munts, 20, of Round Lake Beach, faces up to three years in prison after being convicted of possession of two ounces of marijuana.

But rather than smoking it or selling it, he had the stash because he liked to make soups and teas with the plant, Munts told police.

Circuit Judge John Phillips found Munts guilty of having the marijuana after Munts and Lake County Assistant Public Defender Katherine Hatch agreed the evidence against him was iron-clad.

Munts' problems began April 12, 2007, when the woman he rented a basement room from at 1219 Fairfield Road told police he had the marijuana.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Stephen Derue said Munts agreed to let officers search his living area, and the marijuana was discovered under a blanket on his bed.

Munts later told police the marijuana was indeed his, but that he did not want them to get the wrong idea.

"He said he was not a dealer. He just really liked what he called the 'cannabis culture,'" Derue said. "He told them he made soups and teas with the stuff."

Possession of marijuana is illegal no matter what you use it for, Phillips said after reviewing the evidence against Munts. Sentencing is set for May 27.