The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said its Special Investigations Group saw a “record-breaking” year in 2025 in drug and weapons seizures.
The SIG, which is comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, conducts drug and human trafficking interdiction throughout the area, and is operated out of the Sheriff’s Office.
In 2025, the SIG opened 184 investigations and arrested more than 100 people, while seizing more than $ 7 million in illegal drugs. The group also confiscated more than 90 firearms and rescued six human trafficking victims.
“These results represent the tireless work of investigators who are committed to dismantling criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our communities,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “Every firearm seized, every trafficker arrested, and every victim rescued represents lives protected and communities made safer.”
Drug seizures included more than 50 pounds of fentanyl powder and 37 pounds of cocaine.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, participating police departments include Park City, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and Zion.
“I am extremely proud of the work done by the investigators assigned to SIG and grateful for the strong partnerships we share with our federal and local law enforcement partners,’ Idleburg said.
Rash of burglaries
Waukegan Police Chief Edgar Navarro issued a statement this month to let the public know WPD is aware of a rash of burglaries and officers are working “around the clock” to solve the crimes.
There have been break-ins reported at Waukegan businesses, as well as throughout Lake County.
“Detectives are actively investigating these incidents and working around the clock to identify and apprehend every individual involved in these crimes,” Navarro said.
The chief encouraged people to call the Criminal Investigations Division at WPD at (847) 599-2528 to report suspicious activity.
“By working together, we will ensure our city remains safe,” the chief said.
Resource fairs
Residents can learn more about services for crime victims offered by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office at three upcoming community events.
The Neighborhood Resource Fairs will be held on Tuesday at the Zion Benton Public Library, on Wednesday at the Waukegan Library, and on Thursday at the Robert Rolek Community Center in Round Lake. Each event will run from 2-5 p.m.
Attendees can learn about the LCSAO’s Victim Services Division and the support offered by local organizations.
The events are part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“Serving victims is at the core of our work,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “Our outstanding victim specialists help victims and survivors navigate the court process while also connecting them with vital services. We believe that proactive and trauma-informed approaches are part of our moral duties to help those in need and to prevent crime by reducing the trauma that can ripple through communities.”
Computers stolen
A Chicago man is facing felony theft charges for taking part in the theft of $100,000 of computers from a sealed truck at the CDW site in Vernon Hills, police said.
Patrick Mitchell, 40, was arrested on April 9 after crashing a van in the 5400 block of South Wells Street in Chicago as he tried to evade police, authorities said. A passenger was able to evade police.
Police said Mitchell, along with six other suspects, had earlier broken into the CDW truck and stolen numerous computers. A truck driver who tried to intervene in the theft was battered by one of the suspects, police said.
The other suspects remain at large.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vernon Hills Police Department Investigations Division at (847) 362-4449 or via email at pdtips@vhills.org.
