CPS Teacher Among 50 Arrested In Raids On 'Secret' Facebook Group

CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago Public School teacher was among more than 50 people arrested for selling drugs and guns in secret Facebook groups, police said. Officers conducted a series of raids overnight, and seized drugs and dozens of firearms, according to Anthony Riccio, chief of the Chicago police organized crime division. The announcement was made at a Thursday press conference.

The teacher was allegedly selling drugs, and was arrested at Leland Elementary school in Oak Park, Riccio said. The teacher was found to be in possession of scales and other paraphernalia used in drug sales at the time of his arrest, Riccio said.

An informant told police about the illegal trafficking on Facebook in February, Riccio said. Officers then infiltrated dozens of groups on the social networking site, which were "secret" and not visible in searches on the platform.

Over ten months, officers were able to buy more than 17 different types of illegal drugs in the groups, with a street value of more than $46,000, Riccio said. The officers were also able to purchase 18 illegal guns, many of which had their serial numbers scratched out. Some of the firearms had magazines capable of holding more than 30 rounds of ammunition, Riccio said. Most of the guns were fully loaded and ready to use, and some were more than triple their original price, he said.

"Individuals who were selling guns would post a picture of the gun," Riccio said. "We would make arrangements through communication via Facebook, and meet them in various locations throughout the city, sometimes at their homes, other times in public places—fast food places, shopping centers, and the transactions would take place there."

Riccio said the CPD didn't know the secret groups existed on Facebook, because they were hidden from the public, and required invites, which were difficult to obtain.

"The groups are so tight, they actually require people to vouch for you," Riccio explained.

Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Facebook hasn't done enough to assist police with investigations.

"Facebook has an obligation not just to the city of Chicago, but to the people across this country, Johnson said. "That's a billion-dollar industry, certainly they can spend a little money to ensure that these types of things don't happen."

More than 50 people are in custody, including the CPD teacher. Only six of those arrested don't have existing criminal backgrounds, police said. One man was under electronic monitoring and working from his home, Riccio said. Warrants for arrests have been issued for 18 other suspects.

Photo by Amber Fisher