Guard Gator

Cops: Cary man used gator to guard marijuana operation

Sun-Times Media Updated: October 15, 2011

Gator guarding pot?: A Cary man was keeping more than just a clandestine cannabis-growing operation inside his house, McHenry County Sheriff’s Police said. Nicholas Cosmano, 26, of 7203 Owl Way also had a 5-foot-long alligator in the home, they said. Deputies acting on a search warrant entered the home Wednesday and found 16 cannabis sativa plants, approximately 100 grams of processed cannabis, grow lights, ballasts, growing chemicals and various items of drug paraphernalia. along with the alligator. Sheriff Keith Nygren estimated the value of the drugs seized throughout the investigation to be in excess of $2,100. The alligator was turned over to the McHenry County Animal Control Office for safekeeping and review of possible ordinance violations. Cosmano was charged with possession of cannabis and possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing of cannabis sativa plants and possession of drug paraphernalia.