An alleged drug dealer accused of selling counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl has been charged with the drug-induced homicide of a 17-year-old boy in Antioch.
The Antioch Police Department and Antioch Fire Department responded around 5 a.m. on February 11, 2023, to a home in the 400 block of Route 173 in Antioch for a report of an overdose victim.
A 17-year-old boy was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead, according to Antioch Assistant Village Administrator Jim Moran.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office and police investigators determined the death was a result of a lethal dose of fentanyl through the consumption of Perc 30 pills.
Moran said Antioch Police Department detectives began an investigation into the teen’s death in collaboration with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Moran said investigators determined the teenager had obtained counterfeit pills through an acquaintance, identified as Jack Foley, 20, of unincorporated Antioch.
An arrest warrant was issued for Foley on February 22 charging him with one count of drug-induced homicide, a Class X Felony, and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class 2 felony.
Foley was taken into custody by police detectives on Wednesday and was transported to the Lake County Jail.
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow said he hopes others can learn from the tragic situation.
“A 17-year-old lost his life, while another young man will have to live with the consequences of his decision to engage in the distribution of these dangerous substances into our communities, which has devasting impacts not only within our community but in all communities across the nation,” Guttschow said.
“I encourage parents, teachers, and students to spend time talking about these dangers. Our police department offers resources to anyone who needs them, please take advantage of this help. Whether someone is taking these pills for a cheap high, or selling them for a few bucks, the effects last a lifetime for everyone involved,” Guttschow said.
The police chief lauded his police detectives “who lived up to our mission to keep Antioch safe by holding those who do our community harm, accountable for their actions.”
“I’d also like to thank the members of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office who were able to assist with bringing a resolution to this investigation,” the chief added.