Police in Illinois seized weapons and bulletproof vests as well as illegal drugs when they searched a Countryside apartment on Dec. 4, according to Cook County prosecutors. A 36-year-old man is being held without bond in connection with the narcotics and firearms haul. In addition, a 32-year-old man taken into custody at the scene was released after posting a $30,000 bond. Both of the men face multiple felony charges. The 36-year-old man faces the prospect of a mandatory life sentence for being a habitual armed offender.
According to court documents, officers assigned to the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group made several undercover drug purchases from the two men at an apartment complex in Countryside. After obtaining a search warrant, the officers allegedly found 60 grams of heroin, about 10 grams of cocaine, 37 ecstasy pills, two guns and two bulletproof vests inside the apartment. Media reports reveal that local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies either participated in or supported the operation.
Prosecutors claim the two men participated in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute illegal drugs in Countryside and the surrounding area. A records check is said to reveal that the 36-year-old man taken into custody at the scene and being held without bond is on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Media reports indicate that the man was convicted of possessing a stolen gun in 2014 and sentenced to six years in prison. The two men are scheduled to appear in a Bridgeview courtroom on Dec. 20.
Criminal suspects who face long mandatory sentences because of prior weapons or drug charges are often willing to cooperate with prosecutors in return for leniency. When such defendants have been taken into custody, experienced criminal defense attorneys could recommend that prosecution bear this in mind and consider a negotiated plea agreement.
