
Police conducted a warrant and arrested a man after prosecutors say he was running an extensive drug operation out of a Zion home where drugs and guns, along with $16,000 cash, were located.
Dakota R. Kelley, 30, of Zion, was charged with manufacturing or delivery of cocaine, manufacturing or delivery of cannabis, possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis.
A confidential informant reported to the Zion Police Department on December 19 that a large amount of drugs were at a house in the 3700 block of Willow Crest Drive in Zion, according to Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Dino Katris.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and surveillance was conducted that same evening.
Katris said Kelley left the residence and officers followed him until he nearly reached the city limits.
A traffic stop was conducted and officers conducted a search of Kelley pursuant to the warrant.
Officers found a Glock 43 handgun. Kelley has a valid concealed carry license, Katris said.
Kelley was detained while officers conducted a search of his home.
Katris said the search yielded 74 grams of cocaine, 9,049 grams of cannabis, 1,644 grams of a wax containing THC, two guns, two scales with cocaine residue on them, a money counter, a vacuum sealer, five cell phones and a laptop.
$16,450 in cash banded in $1,000 increments was also found in a hidden compartment near a bed.
Kelley refused to talk to police after the warrant was conducted.
Katris said the items recovered showed Kelley had an extensive drug operation running in his home.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Kelley pending trial.
Kelley has a prior conviction in an aggravated battery to a handicapped person case, Katris said. He also has a conviction in a manufacturing or delivery of cannabis case.
Lake County Judge James Newton granted the petition during a detention hearing held on Monday afternoon.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 8.