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June 29, 2009
Sun-Times News Group

WOODSTOCK -- A northwest suburban man was charged Friday after police allegedly found a marijuana-growing operation in his home.

Salvatore Scianna, 51, of 1106 Pine St. in Lake in the Hills, was charged with unlawful production of cannabis sativa plants, unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a release from the McHenry County Sheriff's office.

The sheriff's narcotics unit and Lake in the Hills police served a search warrant at Scianna's home on Friday. Investigators arrived to find Scianna at home with his 8-year-old son, who was placed with family members after Scianna was taken into custody.

Responding officers found a hydroponic cannabis growing operation in the basement of the home, and found the attic area had been converted into a drying room, the release said.

Police recovered 39 cannabis plants, 37.5 pounds of marijuan, two items of drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, packaging material and indoor growing equipment, the release said.

Sheriff Keith Nygren estimated the drugs would have had a street value of more than $150,000.

Scianna's bond was set at $40,000 and a preliminary hearing was set for July 2.

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LAKE IN THE HILLS – A 51-year-old man faces felony charges after authorities seized more than $150,000 in marijuana from his home.

McHen­­­ry County Sheriff’s police discovered 39 marijuana plants growing in the basement of Salvatore Scianna’s Lake in the Hills home last week, according to a news release. The attic at 1106 Pine St. had been converted into a marijuana drying room.

“The entire house smelled of a strong odor of cannabis; it was emitting,” Lt. Andy Zinke said.

Police also found about 37.5 pounds of marijuana, two pieces of drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, packaging material, and indoor growing equipment. Police estimated the street value of the drugs at $151,500.

Scianna was charged with felony production of marijuana plants, felony marijuana possession with intent to deliver, felony marijuana possession, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, sheriff’s police said.

Scianna’s 8-year-old son was in the home when investigators arrived about 2 p.m. Friday. The boy was turned over to another family member while his father was arrested.

Scianna remained in McHenry County Jail on Monday, unable to post 10 percent of his $40,000 bail. His next court date is Thursday.

• Northwest Herald reporter Jill Duchnowski contributed to this story.

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