Crime & Safety

Police Find Marijuana Grow House in Island Lake

McHenry County resident, 49, charged with felony for allegedly running an elaborate cannabis manufacturing operation.

 Jeffrey C. Churillo, 49, of Island Lake was charged with a Class X felony after McHenry County Sheriff’s officers discovered a marijuana grow house in his basement.

“It was a pretty elaborate grow house,” said Detective Sgt. Michael Cisner. “He had all the equipment to cultivate a high-end cannabis for marketing.”

Cisner explained that police were at the home, 4528 Vista Drive, Island Lake, on Feb. 16 to serve a warrant for failure to appear in court on unrelated charges. While there, the officer found evidence that aroused suspicion – the smell of the house and the humidity in the home, Cisner said.

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He said Churillo was taken into custody on the warrant without incident.

The Narcotics Unit was called and a search warrant was obtained.

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Inside the basement of the home, investigators found an indoor clandestine cannabis sativa plant growing lab, according to the media release. Investigators recovered 5,000 grams of processed cannabis, 167 cannabis sativa plants, nutrients, growing lights, ballasts and exhaust tubing used for the cultivation of cannabis.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren estimates the street value of the cannabis to be in excess of $175,000, according to the release.

Churillo was the sole occupant of the home.

Churillo was charged with unlawful manufacturing of cannabis, a Class X felony; unlawful possession of cannabis, a Class 1 felony; unlawful production of cannabis plants, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possessions of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of ammunition without a Firearms Owner Identification card.

Cisner said a Class X felony is punishable by  10-20 years in prison.  He said the case is still under investigation.

Churillo is incarcerated at the McHenry County Adult Corrections Facility in lieu of a $75,000 bond.


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