The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group was recognized this week for its 2024 efforts in combating drug trafficking.
The SIG was given the “Initiative of the Year” award at a ceremony put on by the Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group.
The unit was honored for disrupting or dismantling nine drug trafficking organizations, making 50 arrests, seizing 200 firearms and confiscating large quantities of illegal drugs like fentanyl, cocaine and heroin.
“The Lake County Special Investigations Group has continuously displayed high level investigative proficiency resulting in numerous successful investigations all aimed at keeping the neighborhoods and residents of Lake County, Illinois safe. Great Job!” said Nicholas Roti, executive director of Chicago HIDTA.
HIDTA provides federal support to law enforcement agencies in designated counties with coordination, equipment, technology and additional resources to combat drug production and trafficking.
SIG has been a part of HIDTA since 2020. In addition to the sheriff’s office, SIG partners include federal law enforcement agencies and Lake County police departments.
“This team of proactive professionals works extremely hard to identify and arrest drug traffickers, gun traffickers, human traffickers and some of the most violent offenders in society,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “They are doing incredible work to keep Lake County safe and I am very grateful for the recognition from HIDTA’s Executive Board.”
Child porn arrest
A Lindenhurst man was arrested this month on charges that he was uploading child pornography images to the internet.
Aaron J. Stiegel, 25, of the 300 block of North Crooked Lake Lane, was taken into custody on five counts of child pornography possession following a search at his residence. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it received reports that the illicit images were being uploaded from an IP address at Stiegel’s home.
After obtaining a warrant, police searched the residence Tuesday and determined that Stiegel was responsible for disseminating and downloading child pornography. Police recovered more than 1,000 images from devices at the home.
Suspect tackled
A Beach Park was arrested after he threatened an elderly woman with a knife at their home, police said.
Keith MacDonald, 33, was taken into custody following the Dec. 2 incident in the 38600 block of North Lewis Avenue in Beach Park.
The sheriff’s office was alerted that day that someone at that address was threatening other members of his family with a knife.
Responding officers looked through a window and saw MacDonald standing over the woman. Officers broke through a locked door and tackled MacDonald. Police said they learned MacDonald was upset because other family members told him he was being evicted from the home.
He has been charged with aggravated battery and assault, along with other charges.
“Once again, our staff — from the emergency telecommunicators who handled the frantic 911 call to the deputies who responded to the scene — acted swiftly and courageously to prevent harm or something far worse,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “I am truly proud of our team, who put others before themselves every day to keep our community safe.”
Shots fired
Police arrested a Beach Park man Thursday night after, police said, he fired multiple shots from a gun after getting into an argument.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Jesus Machuca-Barragan, 20.
Police responded to his residence in the 12200 block of West 29th Street at about 10:45 p.m. According to witnesses, Manchua-Barragan had argued with someone at the residence, and then fired a number of shots from inside his car before driving away.
No one was hit by the gunfire, and police said they were not sure where he fired because they did not locate any bullet holes.
Police issued an alert and Waukegan police arrested Manchua-Barragan a short time later at a gas station near Illinois Route 120 and Jackson Street. He reportedly had two pistols in the car, and police said they recovered five shell casings from the vehicle.
He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and reckless discharge of a gun.
