Barrington man admits to pot-growing operation

The second of two Barrington residents accused of running a marijuana-growing operation in their rental home was placed on probation Thursday after pleading guilty in Lake County Circuit Court.

David Kierig, 24, will spend two years on probation and must pay an $1,100 fine after pleading guilty to felony possession of marijuana.

Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne said Kierig and Caitlin Bouffard, 20, were arrested April 16 when agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group raided the house they rented in the 200 block of Washington Street.

Police found 10 growing marijuana plants and 19 pounds of processed marijuana in the basement, which had been extensively modified to support the growing operation.

Digital scales, a cash counting machine, a shotgun and $1,440 in cash were also seized in the raid, Henne said.

Kierig pleaded guilty to a marijuana possession charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. More serious charges against him were dropped in exchange for the plea.

Bouffard pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana on Aug. 9 and received a similar sentence, although the record of her conviction will be erased if she successfully completes her probation.