Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a Beach Park woman by its Special Investigations Group, a task force funded by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. The woman is accused of selling cocaine, including transactions within 500 feet of a middle school. This arrest follows an investigation involving surveillance and controlled purchases.

According to the Sheriff's Office, SIG detectives identified Karla L. Rangel-Tirado, 30, residing on the 37800 block of North Metropolitan Avenue in Beach Park, as actively trafficking cocaine in the area. During their investigation, detectives conducted multiple undercover controlled purchases, including two sales near a Waukegan middle school. On August 11, 2025, Rangel-Tirado was taken into custody during a traffic stop without incident.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges against Rangel-Tirado. These include two counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 500 feet of a school (Class X felonies), two counts of delivery of a controlled substance (Class 1 felonies), and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felonies). She remains held in Lake County Jail pending her initial court hearing. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, "Whether it’s a large-scale trafficking operation or an individual dealer targeting our communities, our Special Investigations Group is committed to disrupting the sale of dangerous drugs." He added that "selling cocaine near a school is especially egregious," commending detectives for their efforts to maintain neighborhood safety.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in maintaining order and upholding laws while protecting community rights. It emphasizes service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement with an aim to build public trust. The office's core values include integrity, respect, and professionalism. Accredited for adherence to recognized law enforcement standards, the Sheriff's Office has been part of Lake County since its founding in 1839.