Two charged with growing marijuana plead not guilty
Two of three people charged with growing almost $1 million worth of marijuana pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County circuit court.
Jay Kupjack, 53, and Robert Anderson, 50, both face a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years if convicted of cultivation and possession of marijuana charges.
Assistant State's Attorney Rod Drobinski said the two men and Mary Banicki, 43, were arrested July 12 at Kupjack's house at 28303 W. Savannah Trial in Lake Barrington.
Acting on a tip provided to Lake County Crime Stoppers, agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group found what they described as a very sophisticated marijuana growing system inside.
Some 20 growing lamps complemented modifications to the house's ventilation system to grow the plants in several rooms.
An electric line running to the house had been tapped before the meter to provide free power for the lamps, and nourishment for the plants came from a 400-gallon water tank.
Police confiscated 1,078 plants in various stages of development and 43 pounds of cultivated marijuana believed to be worth about $898,000 on the open market.
Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti scheduled a trial for all three suspects for Oct. 15.
Kupjack and Anderson, of Richmond, are scheduled to appear in court again Sept. 25.
Banicki, of Burlington, Wis., pleaded not guilty Monday and is due in court again Sept. 18.