Thread: Reduced charge in Waukegan cocaine buy

Our town board is wondering about this guy. It's not completely clear if this guy is illegal or not/green card holder/etc.... but if we had a 287g officer they could clear it up. I can't get over that this guy is out on probation, got his car back, can travel back into the US. Who does he know?!


Reduced charge in Waukegan cocaine buy
(http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... S1.article)

December 19, 2006

NEWS SUN STAFF REPORT

A Zion businessman pleaded guilty Monday in Lake County Circuit Court to a reduced charge in a reverse-sting arrest for 2 kilograms of cocaine.

Ladislao Popoca-Guaddarrama, 36, of Waukegan was arrested by Waukegan police when he took possession of the cocaine from an undercover investigator.

He had arranged to purchase 5 kilograms for $17,500, according to law enforcement officials. He was arrested after taking 2 kilograms.

The original charge was for a Class X offense that carries a mandatory prison semtence of six to 30 years. The reduced charge was a Class One offense that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison but is also probationable.

The recommended plea and sentence were negotiated by prosecutor Reginald Matthews and defense attorney Jed Stone. Judge Fred Foreman accepted both recommendations and sentenced Popoca-Guaddrrama to 180 days in jail (time already served), 36 months probation and ordered him to pay fines totalling $2,400.

He ordered authorities to return Popoca-Guaddrrama's 2001 Cheverolet Impala.

Foreman agreed to let him travel in the United States and Mexico, but he must maintain contact with his probation officer. Popoca-Guaddrrama is a citizen of Mexico, and Foreman warned him that the felony conviction may bar his re-entry to the United States.

Popoca-Guaddrrama is the owner of LP Auto Sounds in Zion.

http://www.waukegan.org/Forum/topic.asp ... ichpage=35

Yes we are always hearing "get tough on crime" and then some judge lessens the crime!