Buffalo Grove family members plead not guilty to pot, theft charges

Three members of a Buffalo Grove family pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court to growing marijuana plants inside their home.

In addition, the youngest member of the group is charged with a computer-related crime that initially brought the police to the house.

James Miller, 52, his wife, Cindy Miller, 50, and their son, Trevor Miller, 17, were arrested July 28 by Lincolnshire police.

Assistant State's Attorney Mary Stanton said Lincolnshire police were called by a man who said his wallet had been stolen from his car, and about $1,000 was missing from his checking account as a result.

Police discovered Trevor Miller had taken the wallet from the car, Stanton said, and was using the victim's debit card to purchase play time on Internet gaming sites.

When police went to the Miller house in the 800 block of Dunhill Drive to arrest Trevor Miller, Stanton said, they discovered six marijuana plants growing inside the home.

All three members of the family are charged with production of marijuana plants, Stanton said, and face up to three years in prison.

Trevor Miller is also charged with burglary, unlawful use of a debit card, identity theft and computer fraud.

Burglary carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, Stanton said, while all the other charges against Trevor Miller are punishable by up to five years.

Circuit Judge John Phillips ordered all three to appear in court Nov. 3.