Exchange Student Drug Death: Cops Legally Took Phone, Judge Says

GLEN ELLYN, IL — A judge has ruled that detectives were legally justified when they took a cellphone from a man who is now charged with the 2016 drug-induced homicide of a Glenbard South foreign exchange student. Francis Emanuele, 38, of Downers Grove, allegedly provided a lethal dose of methadone to a 15-year-old Spanish foreign exchange student in May 2016. Chicago Tribune reports that his lawyers attempts to quash any phone evidence were denied by Judge Liam Brennan.

Emanuele had allegedly had a sexual relationship with the girl and another foreign exchange student. Prosecutors say Emanuele, who was on methadone to treat substance use disorder, gave some to the foreign exchange student, who was found dead on May 3, 2016.

Related: Man Charged In Overdose Death Of Glenbard South Foreign Exchange Student

Police arrested Emanuele at his place of work on May 5 and took possession of his cellphone. According to Chicago Tribune, Emanuele was released a few days later and no charges were filed at that time, but police did not return his phone. They later got a search warrant for the contents of Emanuele's phone and allegedly found evidence that led to charges of child pornography along with drug-induced homicide.

Emanuele was later released on bail. He is set to appear in court again on Sept. 26.

Image via DuPage County State's Attorney's Office

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