The sheriff’s office Special Investigations Group has arrested a self-admitted drug dealer who officials say was selling drugs and caught with two guns in Waukegan on Tuesday.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Carlton Thomas, 47, of Waukegan, for drug trafficking.
The SIG began the investigation after developing information that Thomas was selling narcotics, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
SIG detectives initiated an undercover operation and found Thomas was selling crack cocaine in Lake County, Covelli said.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Thomas’ home in the 200 block of South Victory Street in Waukegan, which was executed on Tuesday.
Investigators saw Thomas leaving his home in a vehicle just prior to conducting the search warrant and performed a traffic stop on him, Covelli said.
He was found to be in possession of just under five grams of crack cocaine when arrested.
Covelli said detectives then located nearly 10 grams of crack cocaine, over 2,500 grams of cannabis and two firearms during the search of his home.
Prosecutors said Thomas admitted to selling both the cocaine and the cannabis, with him saying that it was easier to sell the cannabis than it was the cocaine.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges of delivery of cannabis, delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
“Drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and endangers our communities,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“I’m proud of the work our Special Investigations Group continues to do in removing narcotics and weapons from our streets, and I thank our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners for their continued collaboration in keeping Lake County safe,” Idleburg said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Thomas while he awaits trial.
An attorney for Thomas argued for his release and said his client does not pose a threat to the community and was fully cooperative with investigators.
The petition was denied by Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim during a detention hearing Thursday afternoon and Thomas was released with pre-trial conditions.