Machesney Park man arrested after 15 pounds of marijuana, more than 100 marijuana plants discovered in his residence

Online Staff Report

Saturday, Feb. 16, Winnebago County sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 3026 Bauer Drive, Machesney Park, Ill., at approximately 7:50 p.m. on an unrelated investigation. The deputies smelled a strong odor of fresh marijuana in the area.

The deputies called for a narcotic detection dog, and a Rockford Police K-9 Unit responded and directed the deputies to 3026 Bauer Drive, where it was determined that the marijuana smell was coming from. The smell was coming from inside the residence.

Deputies at the scene observed a male inside the residence. He refused to come to the door and the deputies observed he had an axe in his hands and began to close the blinds on the windows.

The deputies believed the subject was destroying evidence, and they forced entry to the home and the subject was detained. He was identified as 36-year-old Ryan A. Novak.

A search of the residence was subsequently conducted and more than 15 pounds of suspected marijuana was recovered along with more than 100 suspected marijuana plants.

Novak was charged with violation of the Cannabis Control Act. He is being held at Winnebago County Jail.

Posted Feb. 19, 2013