Kankakee Man Pleads Guilty To Marijuana Growing Operation, Filing False Tax Returns and Making False Statement To Bank

Urbana, Ill. –  A Kankakee, Ill., man, David Aaron Neblock, 37, entered pleas of guilty today to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 marijuana plants; filing false income tax returns; and making a false statement to a bank, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis, Central District of Illinois. At today’s hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge David G. Bernthal granted the government’s motion for Neblock’s detention and the defendant was taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough in Springfield.

According to the factual basis set forth in the plea agreement, in July 2012, agents of the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Group (KAMEG) executed a search warrant at a commercial building at 364 S. Schuyler Ave., Bradley, Ill.  Inside the building, agents recovered 759 marijuana plants in three rooms. The plants, at various stages of growth, were grown under multiple artificial light ballasts, with electric timers that regulated fans, lights and irrigation systems that supplied water and growth enhancement nutrients to the plants. Agents would testify that the approximate value of the 759 hydroponic cannabis plants is $3,036,000.

In addition, Neblock admitted that he underreported his income for tax years 2010, 2011, and 2012, for an estimated total of $236,936, with tax due and owing of $52,128. Further, Neblock admitted that in March 2009, he submitted a false home loan application requesting $157,183 to purchase a residence at 3163 River Road, Kankakee.  In the application, Neblock falsely claimed that he was employed at various businesses and had received an inheritance.

According to terms of the plea agreement, the government and the defendant agree that the appropriate sentence is a term of imprisonment between 60 and 71 months. Further, Neblock agrees to pay the $52,128 in additional tax due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service, and agrees to the forfeiture of property, 3163 River Road, Kankakee, Ill, currently subject to a complaint for forfeiture in proceedings in circuit court in Kankakee County, as property that was used to facilitate or was paid for by proceeds of illegal activity.

The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronda H. Coleman.   The charges are the result of investigation by Kankakee Area Metropolitan Group, “KAMEG”; Illinois State Police; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Kankakee State’s Attorney’s Office.