By Tony Gordon

Daily Herald Legal Affairs Writer

June 28, 2001

A Wauconda man was arrested Tuesday night after police found 120 marijuana plants and six ounces of hallucinogenic mushrooms in a search of his home, officials said. Police also said they confiscated $12,740 in cash from Matthew McKown, 25, during the raid on his home at 27119 Anderson Road. Terry Lemming, director of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, said a tip from a citizen led police to get a search warrant for McKown's home. Metropolitan Enforcement Group agents arrived at the house about 9 p.m. Tuesday, Lemming said, and discovered the marijuana plants and mushrooms containing the drug psilocybin in the basement. Police estimated the value of the drugs at about $150,000. Lemming said the cash was confiscated because it is believed to be profits from drug sales. Court records indicate McKown served terms of court supervision after convictions for possession of small amounts of marijuana in 1993 and 1994. Assistant State's Attorney Daniel Shanes said McKown is charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver and unlawful production of marijuana. He could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges, Shanes said. Associate Judge Joseph Waldeck ordered McKown held on $20,000 bond and told him to appear in court again July 13.