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Dalton's recusal was certified last week by Presiding Judge Keith Sutherland. Kelly C. Broniec, Montgomery County associate circuit judge, has been appointed to fill Dalton's absence. A new court date has yet to be scheduled.
An indoor marijuana growing operation, described as "elaborate" and sophisticated" by Sheriff Kevin Harrison, was located Oct. 22 in the Pillas' home at 28107 Range Line Court off Sunnyside Road.
The couple turned themselves in to authorities Oct. 23. Bonds were set at $50,000 for Edward Pilla and $25,000 for Juli Pilla. Both have been released on bond.
Last week, Warren County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wright filed a petition to have the Pillas forfeit $2,350 in cash found by deputies in the home. The cash, located in various bills in a closet in the master bedroom at the Pillas' residence, is believed to have been used, derived or realized through criminal activity, the petition states.
Warren County sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant Oct. 22 at the Pillas' residence. Authorities confiscated more than 60 marijuana plants and over 140 Ziploc bags containing marijuana ready for sale, according to Harrison.
The processed marijuana seized from the scene weighed approximately 11 pounds with a street value of over $30,000, Harrison said.
Detectives began investigating the Pillas in June when the department was tipped off to the couple purchasing equipment normally associated with an indoor agricultural/plant growing operation, Harrison said.
Some of the growing equipment seized two weeks ago included numerous sodium halide lights, electronic timers, light trails, ballasts, fans and filtration systems. Harrison noted the couple appeared ready to expand their illegal operation into another room where additional equipment was located.
According to the probable cause statement, Edward Pilla admitted to detectives he began selling marijuana to pay off some of his debt. Juli Pilla also told authorities she was aware of the operation, the probable cause statement shows.
The Pillas own Spudmasters ColossalChips headquartered in Bellflower. The couple previously owned Spudmasters and Yesterday's, both located in the same building at 201 E. Main in Warrenton.
