Lake Zurich man faces felony charges after police stop

Daily Herald Staff Writer

May 23, 2001
 

A 34-year-old Lake Zurich man faces felony drug charges after cocaine and marijuana were found at his home, police said.

Fidel Hernandez, 157 Robertson Ave., was arrested at 2:30 p.m. May 17 on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, Lake Zurich Commander Rodney Chesser said.

Hernandez also was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, unlawful hidden compartments within a vehicle and improper use of registration, police said.

Hernandez was initially stopped in Lake Zurich when police were alerted by Chicago police and United States Customs Service officials that his vehicle was suspected of carrying contraband, Chesser said.

The vehicle was stopped by all three agencies and two large bags containing undisclosed amounts of marijuana were found in a hidden compartment, police said.

A subsequent investigation of Hernandez's home, with assistance from a Lake County sheriff's police canine unit, turned up about 25 pounds of marijuana, about 2 pounds of cocaine and more than $17,000, Chesser said.

Hernandez was taken to the Lake County jail. He posted $7,500 bond on Sunday and was turned over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service due to his "immigration status," Chesser said.

Police are working with Lake County's Metropolitan Enforcement Group to investigate other leads the case has presented.

A court date was not available. Hernandez could not be reached for comment Tuesday.