Colorado Cannabis Hauler Busted On I-80 Near Joliet: Forfeiture

JOLIET, IL — Some lawyers say the worst thing you can do is start answering questions during a traffic stop by police. On Nov. 14, a gabby 63-year-old man from Cleveland, Ohio, was stopped along Interstate 80, west of Joliet, by a Will County Sheriff's deputy. In the end, Will County confiscated about 8.6 pounds of marijuana from William Erickson's 2015 GMC Sierra, a vehicle forfeiture complaint notes.

Afterward, Erickson was thrown in the Will County Jail on three felony marijuana trafficking and manufacturing charges. After four days in the slammer, Erickson posted 10 percent of his $50,000 bail on Nov. 17. Now, he has one more reason to hate Will County, IL. Last week, the Will County State's Attorney's Office filed a vehicle forfeiture complaint, attempting to seize the Ohio man's 2015 GMC Sierra "pertaining to (a) violation of the Cannabis Control Act."

The forfeiture complaint against Erickson is one of the most interesting ones the Joliet Patch has reviewed in many months.

First, the traffic stop. It took place four months ago around 11:20 a.m.

Will County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Pogose was at the turnaround on I-80, west of I-55, monitoring westbound I-80 traffic when his eyes locked onto the GMC Sierra with Ohio license plates, court documents note.

"The GMC made a sudden lane change to the outside lane of eastbound I-80 without using a turn signal," the forfeiture reads.

Erickson was pulled over just west of I-55, and from that point forward Erickson was extremely talkative, court records show.

"While speaking with him, Deputy Pogose detected an odor of burnt cannabis emanating from the vehicle. Deputy Pogose also observed trace amounts of a green leafy substance, suspect cannabis, on the center armrest of the vehicle."

Here's some of Erickson's statements, according to the forfeiture complaint:

• "Erickson related that he had just received a written warning as he was pulled over in Ohio approximately a week prior, and that it was a foolish mistake of him not to use a signal."

• "Erickson then began telling Deputy Pogose that he is a courier and is usually very self-conscious of other vehicles and puts lots of miles on his vehicle. Erickson then stated that he used to be a courier."

• "Erickson … advised that he was out in Omaha for eight days. Erickson then advised that he would appreciate it if Deputy Pogose would just give him a warning."

Here's why the Will County Sheriff's had an inkling that Erickson might be breaking the law when it came to running drugs:

"While this conversation was going on, Deputy Pogose observed Erickson to adjust his hat several times and continue to rub his hands together. Deputy Pogose believed from his experience that Erickson was exhibiting signs of extreme nervousness as he continued to bring up random conversations to occupy the time," the forfeiture notes.

Finally, the time came to level with Erickson.

"Erickson stated that he was a 'clean' citizen. Erickson further denied that he had any marijuana, methamphetamines or heroin inside the vehicle as well," court documents reflect.

Then, came another question.

"Deputy Pogose asked Erickson if he could search his vehicle and Erickson stated, 'Sure, go ahead,'" court papers show.

It was all downhill from there for the 63-year-old Cleveland man.

"Erickson was advised that Deputy Pogose wanted to run his narcotics K9, Riggs, around the vehicle … Erickson stated, 'I really wish you wouldn't do that. When asked why Erickson did not want the K9 around his vehicle, he advised that he had a lot of weed inside, approximately 4 to 5 pounds," court documents show.

At 11:42 a.m., the defendant was read his rights and he was fine with giving Will County's police an incriminating statement, according to the following court records:

"Erickson advised that he drove to Colorado to buy cannabis and advised that he left Ohio on Saturday, spent several days in Colorado, and purchased the cannabis, before heading to Omaha. Erickson stated he would be splitting the cannabis with several friends and that only a half pound was his, and he pays $1,700 per pound."

Eventually, seven separate heat-sealed Ozark freezer bags that weighed 560 grams, 540 grams, 554 grams, 564 grams, 547 grams, 552 grams and 566 grams were seized from a duffel bag in Erickson's backseat, the forfeiture informs Will County's judiciary.

"The total weight of all seven bags was 3,883 grams," it states.

When questions arose regarding who owned the 2015 GMC Sierra, Erickson admitted "it was his and that he put $20,000 down for it and financed the rest," court documents show.

Now, that vehicle may become the permanent property of an Illinois law enforcement agency, if the Will County State's Attorney's Office has its way.

"Erickson was asked how much in total he paid for the cannabis and he advised whatever $1,700 times seven is … Erickson advised that he was told not to bring more than $9,500 cash," court records state.

The forfeiture matter involving the Ohio man's 2015 GMC Sierra goes before a Will County judge on April 10.