A judge denied pre-trial release to a Beach Park woman, who is a food truck owner, after she allegedly sold cocaine near a school in Waukegan and trafficked drugs in the Lake County area.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) said Tuesday they have concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Karla L. Rangel-Tirado, 30, of Beach Park.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said Rangel-Tirado was arrested for dealing drugs, including sales that occurred within 500 feet of a middle school.
SIG detectives learned earlier this year that Rangel-Tirado was actively trafficking narcotics in the area, Covelli said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Vukovich said SIG learned in January that Rangel-Tirado was a cocaine trafficker in the Lake County area.
Detectives conducted multiple undercover controlled purchases of cocaine from Rangel-Tirado during the investigation, Covelli said.
Two of the transactions took place within 500 feet of a middle school in Waukegan.
Those transactions occurred in a restaurant parking lot near Washington Street and Butrick Street across from Robert Abbott Middle School.
Vukovich said the sales occurred in the spring during school hours when school was in session.
In February, Rangel-Tirado and an undercover officer agreed to meet for a cocaine sale transaction.
Rangel-Tirado used a “runner” to bring the drugs to the officer, Vukovich said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Cannon said the male Hispanic “runner” provided 3.5 grams of cocaine to the undercover officer in exchange for $180. The “runner” returned to Rangel-Tirado’s residence after the sale.
Rangel-Tirado again agreed to meet for a cocaine sale with the undercover officer in March, Vukovich said.
Rangel-Tirado allegedly provided over 14 grams of cocaine in exchange for $400 in that deal.
SIG detectives conducted a traffic stop and took Rangel-Tirado into custody without incident on Monday.
Cannon also said that the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a shooting that took place at Rangel-Tirado’s residence.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved the charges of two counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 500 feet of a school, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
“Whether it’s a large-scale trafficking operation or an individual dealer targeting our communities, our Special Investigations Group is committed to disrupting the sale of dangerous drugs,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Selling cocaine near a school is especially egregious, and I commend our detectives for their diligent work to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Idleburg said.
Rangel-Tirado owns and manages Bella’s Kitchen, which is a food truck and catering business in Lake County.
Covelli said detectives did not witness her selling drugs out of the food truck during the investigation.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Rangel-Tirado pending trial and a detention hearing was held on Wednesday afternoon.
Vukovich argued that Rangel-Tirado has a history of non-compliance in court proceedings.
An attorney for Rangel-Tirado said his client has a father, mother, child and grandson who are dependent on her as he argued for her released.
The attorney said Rangel-Tirado’s business has been open since 2021 and is licensed in Illinois, including in Zion, Waukegan and other cities, and she has donated food to schools, churches and funerals.
Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim granted the petition to detain Rangel-Tirado and said he believes she poses a danger to the community and poses a risk of failing to appear in court.
Rangel-Tirado remains held in the Lake County Jail and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 5.