A Beach Park man has been sentenced to three months of periodic imprisonment after he was found with over 35 pounds of marijuana — estimated to be worth approximately $325,000 — during a drug bust.
Barry F. Deal, 59, of the 10500 block of West Liberty Avenue in Beach Park, was charged in January with manufacturing or delivering cannabis over 5,000 grams, manufacturing or delivering over 200 grams of a controlled substance, possession of over 200 grams of a controlled substance, possession of cannabis over 5,000 grams and illegal possession of ammunition.
Deal was arrested on January 7 by the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, which is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force.
Court documents said Deal was found in possession of 16,273 grams — or 35 pounds — of a green leafy substance, which field-tested positive for cannabis.
Police also found him in possession of 702 grams of a brown liquid substance that field-tested positive for psilocybin mushrooms, court documents said.
Deal, who does not have a Firearm Owners Identification Card, also was found in possession of nearly 50 rounds of firearm ammunition.
Deal was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail where he was ordered held on a $400,000 bond.
A judge lowered his bond to $300,000 and he was released after posting 10%, court records show.
A second man, identified as Keith Deal, 34, of Round Lake, was also arrested and charged with manufacturing or delivering 500-2,000 grams of cannabis and possession of 500-2,000 grams of cannabis.
Barry Deal recently entered into a negotiated plea deal with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
He pleaded guilty to manufacturing or delivering cannabis under 2,000 grams in exchange for prosecutors dismissing his other charges.
As part of the plea, Deal was sentenced to 24 days in the Lake County Jail and three months of periodic imprisonment.
Deal will also have to perform 100 hours of public service and be on probation for 36 months.
During his probation, he will not be allowed to consume drugs or alcohol and has to undergo routine testing, court records show.
The case against Keith Deal remains open but court records indicate the man is set to enter into a plea agreement next month.