A judge sentenced a North Chicago man to five years in federal prison after he sold nearly 2,000 fentanyl pills and over 100 grams of powder fentanyl in Lake County.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) conducted an investigation in 2024 into potential fentanyl sales.
Working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Chicago Field Division, SIG detectives received information that Alfredo E. Rollins, 47, of North Chicago, was selling heroin laced with fentanyl in Lake County.
Detectives conducted an undercover operation in which they purchased more than 115 grams of a powder substance containing fentanyl and nearly 2,000 pills containing fentanyl from Rollins, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Rollins was arrested by SIG detectives while inside his vehicle in North Chicago following the undercover purchases.
Covelli said Rollins was found to be in possession of more than 65 baggies of cannabis packaged for distribution when he was arrested.
A search of his residence revealed more than two pounds of cannabis, Covelli said.
A federal arrest warrant was later issued for Rollins and he was taken into federal custody in June.
Rollins pleaded guilty on December 16 to distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
“Yet again, our Special Investigations Group investigated and arrested a dangerous offender who was selling a deadly drug in Lake County. I cannot stress enough that SIG, comprised of federal and local law enforcement, investigates and arrests some of the worst drug traffickers in the region,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Every year, they prevent deaths from both firearms and drugs, while also making significant strides in combating human trafficking. I am extremely proud of the work of SIG, thankful for our strong law enforcement partnerships throughout the area, and grateful for all of the dedicated staff of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office,” Idleburg said.
ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Amon said fentanyl poses a “grave threat” to our society.
“Each trafficker arrested reduces the threat to the communities we are sworn to protect. ATF remains firmly committed to partnering with the Lake County SIG and our federal partners to continue disrupting firearm trafficking networks, the distribution of fentanyl, as well as other dangerous drugs within our communities,” Amon said.
Rollins remains held in federal custody. Court records show he has numerous felony convictions in Lake County, including one for committing a shooting in North Chicago in 2007 in which a 23-year-old woman was fatally shot.