A North Chicago man has been indicted by a grand jury on federal narcotics charges, including an allegation that he delivered more than 100 pounds of cocaine in a drug deal last fall, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago.
Gilberto Almanza, 44, was named in an indictment handed down this month on two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possessing a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to the indictment, Almanza delivered 46 kilos of cocaine — just over 100 pounds — during a September exchange in a Bolingbrook. parking lot.
The person who made the exchange with Almanza was cooperating with law enforcement, according to John Lausch, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Last month, authorities say, Almanza sold a half-kilogram of cocaine to someone who was also working with law enforcement. That transaction allegedly took place at Almanza’s residence.
Authorities then conducted a court-authorized search on Almanza’s residence on March 17 and seized two kilograms of cocaine along with a handgun, the charges allege.
The charges against Almanza carry a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. He is being held in federal custody as he awaits arraignment.
Back on the bench
A retired Lake County judge will temporarily be back on the bench in the 19th Judicial Circuit, following his reappointment by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Citing public need, the state’s highest court has appointed Joseph R. Waldeck as a judge to serve a term beginning in May and ending in December. He will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Diane Winter.
Waldeck retired as an associate judge in the circuit in 2014 after serving 19 years. During his time as a judge, Waldeck served in several courts, including misdemeanor, bond, domestic violence, family and juvenile courts.
He earned his law degree from the Lewis College of Law and worked as a Lake County assistant state’s attorney. He later opened his own law practice before being appointed as a judge in 1995.
“I am honored that the Illinois Supreme Court considered and reappointed me to the bench as an associate judge with the 19th Judicial Circuit. I look forward to working alongside former and new judicial colleagues while serving the people of Lake County during my seven-month term,” Waldeck said.
Following his retirement, Waldeck returned to the private practice of law and was named a partner at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. He is also active in the community and is the chair of the city of Lake Forest’s Legal Committee.
A week of thanks to telecommunicators
A tip of the hat to the many telecommunicators at law enforcement agencies around Lake County, whose service is an important component of public safety.
The week of April 10-16 is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to recognize the important role dispatchers play.
A number of local police agencies have taken to social media to recognize their telecommunicators. The sheriff’s office said the week has been recognized with special treats and dress-up days.
Gurnee firefighters showed up with grub in appreciation for the calm voices over the radio at the dispatch center.
The weeklong recognition was started in California in 1981, and according to the NPSTW organization, “is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.”
Fundraising event
Friends of Lake County sheriff’s office correctional officer Juan Diaz will host a fundraiser Saturday night in Waukegan to help defray health care expenses for Diaz, who has been battling illness.
The event with dinner and dancing takes place from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Puerto Rican Society, 150 South Sheridan Road, Waukegan. Tickets are $20 with proceeds going to pay insurance costs.
For tickets, contact Nancy Rivera, Tony Hendley Tony Petrick, Lakeisha Gooden or Kim Vaillant-Crittendon.
