Drug Dealers Nabbed During 5-Month Trafficking Investigation: Police

Photo: Top row, left to right: Maceo Johnson, Gerry Shannon. Bottom row, left to right, Justin Rainey, Nathaniel Shannon.

JOLIET, IL — A five-month investigation into heroin trafficking in the Joliet area resulted in the arrests of four alleged drug dealers.

Dubbed “Operation Success,” the investigation was a joint effort between the Joliet Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Joliet Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, according to a press release from the City of Joliet.

“We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners, both local and federal, to target the drug dealers who are contributing to the heroin epidemic that is plaguing our community,” said Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton in the release.

As a result of the investigation, three suspected drug dealers were arrested on charges of calculated criminal conspiracy and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.

• Maceo Johnson, AKA “Success,” 35, of the 700 block of Oneida in Joliet. Bail was set at $6 million with 10 percent to apply.
• Gerry A. Shannon, AKA “Leon”, 36, of the 200 block of North Center Street in Joliet. Bail was set at $3 million with 10 percent to apply.
• Justin R. Rainey, AKA “Jay”, 33, of the 1000 block of Ronald Drive in Joliet. Bail was set at $3 million with 10 percent to apply.

Nathaniel Shannon, 33, was arrested during a search of a home on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

Johnson was placed into custody in Chicago by ATF agents and was reportedly in possession of $938 and a number of pills believed to be Xanax and ecstasy.

Gerry Shannon was placed into custody by MANS/ATF agents in Joliet and was reportedly in possession of $1,150 and approximately 26.25 grams of purported heroin.

Rainey was arrested by Joliet Police while being released from the Will County Adult Detention Facility on an unrelated charge.

According to the release, once the men were in custody, officers and agents conducted phase two of the investigation, which included serving search warrants at the following homes:

700 block of Oneida

Recovered were the following items:

• Approximately 288.5g of heroin
• $355 USC
• 2015 Chevy Camaro

200 block of Center

Inside the residence at the time of the search was Nathaniel Shannon, 33, who was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

Recovered were the following:

• $8,385
• Small quantities of heroin, cocaine and cannabis.

3900 block of Mohican Court

Also seized were the following vehicles: a 2015 Cadillac Escalade, a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2015 GMC Terrain.

Phase three of the investigation included a role-reversal sting operation at a motel in the 1700 block of McDonough Street which targeted drug buyers.

“During this reversal, 12 suspected buyers were identified, 10 vehicles were towed pending seizure review and a quantity of United States Currency was recovered. Potential charges will be reviewed for the individuals involved,” the release said.