Lake County Gazette

A North Chicago man faces charges of drug trafficking following a search by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) on July 31. The residence searched also functioned as a home daycare.

"It is absolutely unacceptable for anyone to traffic dangerous drugs in our community, especially from a home where children are present. The fact that methamphetamine was being sold and a firearm was left accessible in a daycare environment is beyond reckless," Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, according to a news release.

According to the release, SIG initiated its investigation after receiving information that Delwin L. Hodge, 27, residing on the 2100 block of Wright Avenue in North Chicago, was allegedly involved in narcotics sales. An undercover operation revealed that Hodge was selling methamphetamine within Lake County, during which he sold over 200 grams of meth to undercover detectives. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for his residence, with SIG and the Sheriff's SWAT team conducting the search.

The release said that the search uncovered packaging materials for narcotics distribution in Hodge's bedroom. It appeared that drugs were flushed down a toilet just before the SWAT team's entry. Additionally, a firearm and ammunition were discovered inside the residence. As multiple individuals reside in the home, detectives are continuing their investigation into the ownership of the firearm.

SIG detectives noted that Hodge lived and operated out of a home that also served as a daycare facility. The firearm found at the location was unsecured and accessible to children attending daycare services there. The Department of Child and Family Services has been notified.

The Lake County State's Attorney's Office has approved several charges against Hodge: three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (class X felony), two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (class 1 felony), unlawful possession of a controlled substance (class 4 felony), and endangering the life/welfare of a child (misdemeanor). As Hodge was on parole, the Illinois Department of Corrections issued a parole violation against him. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.