
Law enforcement arrested an alleged drug dealer after finding him with an AK-47 pistol, a large quantity of drugs and over $7,000 cash following a search at a Zion home where children were living.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Anthony M. Love, 43, of Zion.
SIG began the investigation after developing information that Love was selling narcotics, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Detectives initiated an undercover operation and then obtained a search warrant for Love’s home in the 2300 block of Elim Avenue in Zion.
Members of SIG conducted the search warrant at the home on Tuesday, Covelli said.
Covelli said detectives located and seized an AK-47 DRACO pistol, over 420 grams of heroin, over 110 grams of cocaine and 70 grams of methamphetamine.
Over 40 grams of oxycodone, over $7,700 in cash, psilocybin mushrooms, packaging materials and scales were also recovered during the investigation, prosecutors said.
“Once again, our Special Investigations Group—comprised of sheriff’s detectives, federal agents, and local law enforcement—has successfully arrested a dangerous individual selling drugs in our community,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“I am proud of SIG for their hard work and dedication, which resulted in removing dangerous drugs and a firearm from our streets. The efforts of SIG, along with all staff at the sheriff’s office, continue to make a positive impact on the safety and well-being of our community,” Idleburg said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved four counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, which are Class X felonies, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, a Class 2 felony.
Prosecutors said Love, a convicted felon, lives at the residence with his girlfriend and two children. Love told investigators his girlfriend had nothing to do with the illegal narcotics or gun.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Love while he awaits trial.
The state’s attorney’s office also filed a petition to revoke his pre-trial release in a 2022 drug case that is pending in Lake County where he was out on a $250,000 bond.
He appeared in First Appearance Court on Wednesday morning and is set to appear for a detention hearing on Wednesday afternoon.