‘Absolutely unacceptable:’ Felony charges filed against Beach Park man accused of drug trafficking

BEACH PARK Ill. — Felony charges have been filed against a Beach Park man who allegedly sold cocaine to undercover detectives, including once near an elementary school.

Officials from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said 34-year-old Evan Crews has been charged with several felonies, including three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 500 feet of a school and one count of violating an order of protection.

According to deputies, the charges were handed down following an undercover operation conducted by members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG).

Deputies said the operation began back in January after SIG received a tip claiming that Crews was allegedly trafficking drugs.

During the course of the operation, deputies said Crews allegedly sold more than 90 grams of cocaine to undercover detectives on several occasions.

During one of the alleged drug deals, Crews allegedly suggested a meet-up location that was within 350 feet of an elementary school.

Finally, after wrapping up the investigation on March 5, authorities took Crews into custody in the 200 block of Water Street in Waukegan.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone would endanger our communities by trafficking dangerous drugs, let alone so close to an elementary school. Our Special Investigations Group, in partnership with the ATF – Chicago Field Division, remains relentless in holding drug traffickers accountable and keeping these poisons off our streets,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “I commend our detectives and law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in this case.”

Crews is currently being held in the Lake County Jail.