By Tony Gordon
Daily Herald Legal Affairs Writer
Posted Saturday, April 23, 2005

The Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group said Friday it arrested two men and seized $19,000 worth of drugs after a month-long investigation.

MEG Director Mark Rasmussen said Christopher J. Knauf, 29, and Justin G. Cairus, 26, both face multiple charges after their Wednesday night arrests.

Rasmussen said Lindenhurst police provided his agency with information about possible drug activity at Knauf’s home at 2002 Burr Oak Lane, Lindenhurst.

Agents arrived at the house with a search warrant about 6 p.m., Rasmussen said, and found one pound of cocaine and one pound of marijuana inside.

The cocaine is worth $15,000 on the street, Rasmussen said, and the marijuana could fetch $2,000.

Agents then took a search warrant to Cairus’ residence at 37370 N. Cremona, Lake Villa, where another pound of marijuana was discovered.

Rasmussen said drug paraphernalia was found in both houses.

Knauf is charged with unlawful possession of and intent to deliver cocaine, unlawful possession of and intent to deliver marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cairus is charged with unlawful possession of, and intent to deliver, marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Shanes said bond is set at $500,000 for Knauf and $5,000 for Cairus.

Knauf is due in court Monday, while Cairus’ next court date is May 17.

Shanes said Knauf faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted; Cairus faces a maximum penalty of seven years.