Prosecutors said that a gang member, who is a convicted felon, was caught in possession of a loaded AK-47-style rifle and a handgun during a traffic stop in Waukegan.
Julius D. Gaines, 34, of North Chicago, was charged with armed habitual criminal, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Lillian Lewis said officers with the Waukegan Police Department observed a vehicle with no tail light and no license plate last Wednesday.
A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and Gaines was the driver and sole occupant.
Lewis said that Gaines was not cooperative with officers and called a woman over to get things from him.
While officers were speaking with Gaines, he handed the woman some of his belongings, which included a small bag.
Gaines was arrested and officers found a white powder substance in the bag, which was determined to be 2.1 grams of crack cocaine.
A search of the car led to the recovery of a loaded 9mm handgun in driver’s side door pocket.
A continued search led to an AK-47-style rifle in the trunk of the car. The rifle was loaded.
Lewis said Gaines is a convicted felon and has two prior convictions for unlawful use of a weapon.
Gaines also told officers that he is a gang member.
Lake County Judge James Simonian ordered Gaines held on a $200,000 bond.
Gaines was released from the Lake County Jail late last week after posting 10% of his $200,000 bond, records show.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 15.