Narcotic Investigation/ Marijuana Grow Operation

 During the past two weeks members of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police Metro Narcotic Unit, assisted by Sheriff’s Detectives and Officers of the Rockford Police Department, have conducted a narcotic investigation involving the indoor growing of high grade marijuana. Rockford building inspectors and Health Department Inspectors also assisted. Search warrants have been executed at the following locations: 

• 12005 Ventura Blvd, Machesney Park, Illinois
• 637 Rome Ave, Rockford,Illinois
• 3603 Crosby St, Rockford,Illinois
• 1517 Quincy St, Rockford,Illinois
• 7331 Wimbledon, Machesney Park, Illinois
• 3012 Allington Ave, Rockford,Illinois
• 908 17^th St, Rockford,Illinois

 The homes searched, with the exception of Wimbledon, were all vacant houses which were used for the grow operation. Irrigation systems and lighting systems were used to assist in growing. More than 800 marijuana plants were recovered during the investigation. Each plant can yield at least one pound of high grade marijuana during the growing cycle. The marijuana sells between $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 per pound on the street. The investigation was reviewed with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and a warrant was authorized for Ryan B. Link (male 31 yrs old/DOB 5-18-79). Link lives at 7331 Wimbledon, Machesney Park. Link turned himself in on the warrant on the evening of March 14,2011. Link is charged with Production of Cannabis. Bond is set at One Million Dollars. He is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail. Link is considered innocent unless proven guilty in court. A photo of Link accompanies this release.