Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) has arrested a Waukegan woman on charges of drug trafficking. The investigation, funded by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), led to the arrest of Shanese N. Richardson, 41, who was suspected of selling narcotics.

SIG detectives initiated an undercover operation after receiving information about Richardson's activities. They discovered she was selling crack cocaine in Lake County. A search warrant for her home was executed on July 14, 2025, following the investigation.

Before executing the search warrant, detectives observed Richardson leaving her residence and conducted a traffic stop. She was found with a loaded pistol, over 20 grams of crack cocaine, and more than 5 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, all packaged for distribution.

During the search of her home, authorities seized nearly 60 grams of crack cocaine, over 50 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, and more than 170 grams of methamphetamine. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved several charges against Richardson.

Charges include three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (Class X Felonies), unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver (Class X Felony), unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class X Felony), armed violence (Class X Felony), two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 1 Felonies), and unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 Felony).

Sheriff John D. Idleburg commented on the arrest: "Our Special Investigations Group once again did an outstanding job removing a drug trafficker from our Lake County community." He emphasized the agency's commitment to tackling drug trafficking.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a petition to detain Richardson while awaiting trial. She appeared in court this morning and is being held pending a detention hearing this afternoon. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Information from this article can be found here.