Supplier of Wilmington Heroin Nabbed After Joint Investigation: Cops

An alleged drug dealer that police believe is likely the “most consistent supplier of heroin to the Wilmington and southern Will County areas” has been arrested after a joint investigation between the DEA and the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

Stephen J. Carroll, 51, of the 13800 block of W. 4250 N. Road in Essex, was arrested Wednesday morning after police served a search warrant for his home in Essex and a second home in Reddick, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

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Police also seized bank records and a small amount of cannabis.

The DEA began investigating Carroll in April 2015 after receiving tips about possible drug activity, police said. In April 2016, the DEA and the Will County Gang Suppression Unit joined together and have spent “countless hours investigating Carroll's activities,” according to police.

Carroll has allegedly been involved in selling heroin on the streets for many years and is “most likely the most consistent supplier of heroin to the Wilmington and southern Will County areas,” police said.

Carroll was charged with one count of calculated criminal drug conspiracy and two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. His bail has been set at $6 million. He is currently being held at the Will County jail.