Probation, fines for Batavia man who grew marijuana in home

A 38-year-old Batavia man pleaded guilty to growing more than 20 marijuana plants in his home and was sentenced to two years probation and fined $4,995, according to court records.

Jeremy P. Garrity, of the 600 block of Viking Court, also must complete 30 hours of community service and can be resentenced to up to five years in prison for the felony charge if he violates his probation.

Kane County prosecutors dismissed other charges, such as misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and felony marijuana possession in exchange for the plea.

Judge James Hallock accepted the plea Friday, according to court records.

Kane County Sheriff Department Lt. Pat Gengler said a tactical unit searched Garrity’s home on Jan. 31 and seized 21 potted marijuana plants and 48 grams of marijuana.

Garrity was not home at the time, but later turned himself in to authorities, Gengler said.

A message left with Garrity’s defense attorney, Scott Sheen, was not immediately returned.

Although Garrity got probation for the marijuana charges, his legal woes are not over. He is due in court on Aug. 19 on a driving under the influence charge, records show. Batavia police arrested him on April 23 on charges of DUI, improper lane use and illegal transportation of alcohol.

He also was arrested in January 2008 by Batavia police on charges of DUI, obstructing justice and driving without insurance. The charges were later dismissed, records show.