Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group has arrested a Park City man on charges of drug trafficking. The arrest took place on June 16.

According to the release, the investigation was initiated by a task force funded by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program after information was gathered about Marital D. Hayes, 39, residing in the 700 block of Chestnut Avenue, Park City. Detectives conducted an undercover operation and discovered that Hayes was allegedly selling heroin laced with fentanyl and crack cocaine.

The release said that detectives obtained a search warrant for Hayes' residence, which they executed on June 16. During the search, authorities seized more than 40 grams of what was identified as crack cocaine and nearly 10 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, along with a loaded firearm.

According to the news release, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case details and approved several charges against Hayes: three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and two counts related to felonious possession of a weapon.

The release indicated that the State's Attorney's Office plans to file a petition to detain Hayes while he awaits trial. It emphasized that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude towards the Gurnee Police Department and Park City Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.