Detectives arrested a Waukegan woman who they say was trafficking drugs in Lake County and caught with a loaded gun, along with over $20,000 worth of drugs.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Shanese N. Richardson, 41, of Waukegan.
SIG began the investigation after developing information that Richardson was selling narcotics, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Detectives initiated an undercover operation and discovered Richardson was selling crack cocaine in Lake County, Covelli said.
A search warrant was obtained following the investigation and detectives executed the warrant on Monday at Richardson’s home in the 2800 block of Osage Circle in Waukegan.
Detectives observed Richardson leaving her home in a vehicle just prior to the warrant and conducted a traffic stop.
She was found to be in possession of a loaded pistol, over 20 grams of crack cocaine and over five grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, which was packaged for distribution, Covelli said.
Detectives seized an additional almost 60 grams of crack cocaine, over 50 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl and over 170 grams of methamphetamine during the warrant search.
Covelli said the street value of the drugs is over $20,000.
Detectives reviewed the investigation with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved armed violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and three two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
“Our Special Investigations Group once again did an outstanding job removing a drug trafficker from our Lake County community,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Our agency and SIG are committed to identifying and arresting those who traffic drugs, firearms, and people. We will go to all lengths to keep our community safe,” Idleburg said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Richardson while she awaits trial.
Richardson appeared in First Appearance Court on Tuesday morning and is set to appear for a detention hearing Tuesday afternoon.