Man charged with growing pot in his backyard

A 49-year-old man faces charges he was growing marijuana in his backyard near South Elgin.

Kenneth Krejckant, of the 1000 block of West Drive, was arrested Friday and charged with growing between 50 and 200 marijuana plants after a witness spotted the plants growing in Krejckant’s backyard, according to police and court records.

Kane County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Pat Gengler said authorities were called at about 4:45 p.m. and could actually see the plants in the yard after they arrived.

“There were at least two (plants) that were rather large,” Gengler said, adding that deputies were granted permission to go into the yard.

Krejckant faces two felony charges and is due in court on Oct. 4.

If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison, but probation also is an option.

He is free while his case is pending after posting $1,000 bond.

According to court records, Krejckant does not have any previous drug arrests, but was arrested in February 2007 in South Elgin on charges of driving under the influence.

He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service, 18 months supervision and fined $1,505, according to court records.