Martin Gonzalez, 36, of South Elgin, (left) and Melissa M. Coquillard, 33, of Hampshire, (middle) were arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 94 near Route 22 in Lincolnshire Wednesday evening where Lake County Sheriff’s Office Canine Duke (right) led officers to the discovery of a large amount of cocaine. | Provided Photos

A judge denied pre-trial release to one of two alleged drug traffickers arrested after the county’s special investigations group found them with over half a kilogram of cocaine on I-94 near Lincolnshire.

Members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 94 near Route 22 in Lincolnshire around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Nicholas Shepherd said the SIG was alerted that the 2020 GMC SUV had a large amount of cocaine.

Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Dwight Arrowood and his canine partner Duke assisted on the stop, which was initiated due to the vehicle allegedly speeding over the limit.

Covelli said Duke conducted a free-air sniff around the vehicle’s exterior and alerted to the presence of narcotics.

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A search of the vehicle uncovered over half a kilogram — approximately 578.5 grams — of powder cocaine, Covelli said.

The driver, identified as Melissa M. Coquillard, 33, of Hampshire, and the passenger, Martin Gonzalez, 36, of South Elgin, were arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail.

Shepherd said the drugs were located under Gonzalez’s seat in two bags, one of which had Coquillard’s name on it. A digital scale, a mixing dish and plastic wrap were also recovered.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges of manufacturing or delivery of 400-900 grams of cocaine, a super Class X felony, and possession of cocaine, a Class 1 felony, against Coquillard and Gonzalez.

Coquillard was additionally cited for speeding 21-25 mph over the limit.

“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our specialized teams, including our K9 Unit, in intercepting dangerous drugs before they reach our communities. I commend the collaborative efforts of our deputies and our Special Investigations Group for their dedication to keeping Lake County safe,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

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“Drug traffickers pose a serious threat, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who bring these substances into our community,” Idleburg said.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed petitions to detain both Gonzalez and Coquillard in custody pending trial.

Shepherd said Gonzalez was on pre-trial release out of Kane County for an unlawful possession of a controlled substance charge at the time of the incident.

He has a history of failing to appear in court and complying with court orders, Shepherd said, adding that Gonzalez has an affiliation with a street gang and has caution flags for being armed and dangerous.

Lake County Judge James Newman granted the petition to detain Gonzalez but denied the petition to detain Coquillard, who has no criminal history except a DUI, following separate detention hearings.

She was ordered to have no contact with the co-defendant, not consume alcohol or drugs and be subject to a curfew.

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The judge said Gonzalez’s criminal history is extensive and scolded him for throwing his girlfriend “under the bus” by claiming she was the source of the drugs.

Coquillard is scheduled to appear in court again on January 30 for a preliminary hearing and Gonzalez, who remains held in the Lake County Jail, is also scheduled to appear in court again on January 30 for a preliminary hearing.