Man sentenced in Palatine pot case

A 25-year-old man who authorities say admitted to renting a Palatine home in order to grow marijuana there, pleaded guilty to the production of cannabis with intent to deliver.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo sentenced Michael Mogilinski to four years in prison for the class 1 felony, with a recommendation for the department of corrections' Impact Incarceration Program, or boot camp.

The military-style program is designed for nonviolent offenders ages 17 to 35 who have no more than one previous incarceration. It incorporates physical training, education, substance abuse treatment and life skills instruction. An inmate who successfully completes the 120-day boot camp has his or her sentence reduced to time served. An inmate who fails boot camp returns to prison to complete his or her sentence.

Police were acting on a search warrant last June when they entered Mogilinski's home in the 0-100 block of East Briarwood Lane and recovered 671 marijuana plants, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mike Crowe. High definition lights, fans and a dehumidifier were also recovered, authorities said.

Acknowledging his client's two previous drug-related convictions, defense attorney Sam Amirante said Mogilinski's family had thought he had dealt with his problems.

“He is very contrite as he stands before the court,” Amirante said.

“There are no shortcuts in life,” admonished Scotillo, who agreed to give Mogilinski, a single father, two weeks to arrange for child care before he surrenders to authorities.