Federal law enforcement authorities have arrested two individuals following the seizure of multiple kilograms of fentanyl and approximately 25 firearms from their suburban Chicago residences and a storage unit. The arrests were made this week, and the suspects are charged with drug conspiracy.
The individuals charged are James Howard, 32, from Frankfort, Illinois, and Shantel Robinson, 31, from Oak Lawn, Illinois. Both were taken into custody on Thursday and are expected to make their initial appearances in federal court in Chicago today.
According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, law enforcement discovered about 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and approximately 850 grams of suspected cocaine hidden inside a comforter blanket package that Howard had left in the common area of Robinson’s apartment complex. A court-authorized search of Robinson's apartment later revealed it contained multiple firearms and was being used as a drug laboratory.
Further searches authorized by the court at Howard's residence and a storage unit leased by Robinson in Alsip, Illinois uncovered additional kilograms of suspected narcotics, drug manufacturing paraphernalia, more firearms, and packages containing Glock "conversion devices," which enable handguns to fire multiple rounds with one trigger pull.
The announcement of the complaint and arrests was made by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistance came from various local law enforcement agencies including the Illinois State Police and several police departments across different suburbs.
This operation is part of "Operation Take Back America," an initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration while eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving several justice department task forces.
Authorities remind the public that charges in a complaint are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
