Former Sandburg Letterman Charged With Possession of Heroin

A former Sandburg High School letterman is facing drug charges after police found heroin in his vehicle during a traffic stop, prosecutors said in court Thursday.

Nicholas Lehnerer, 21, appeared before Cook County Associate Judge John Hynes on a felony charge for possession of a controlled substance. Lehnerer was also charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest.

According to the charges, Lehnerer was pulled over for a traffic violation on Wednesday afternoon in Orland Park. Officers said they could detect an odor of marijuana as they approached the vehicle.

When officers asked Lehnerer to step out of the car, he refused. Police then found 5.5 grams of cannabis inside the vehicle, the prosecutor said.

Police also claim to have found 1.4 grams of heroin in Lehnerer’s wallet, which he allegedly admitted buying earlier in the day.

Lehnerer’s attorney told the judge that the 21-year-old lettered in football and basketball while attending Sandburg High School. Lehnerer went on to attend Illinois State University and South Suburban College, and currently works as a warehouse manager.

“He’s experiencing extremely difficult circumstances,” the attorney said, describing two recent deaths in Lehnerer’s immediate family. “We’re aware the nature of the charges are serious. We’re trying to prevent more of a downward spiral.”

Judge Hynes released Lehnerer on a $25,000 I-Bond. He is also subjected to random urine drops.

His attorney also asked that Lehnerer be granted permission to go out of state on vacation with his family.

“I think, personally, it would be better if he went,” Lehnerer’s attorney said.

The judge said he would allow Lehnerer to go on vacation.

“But if your levels go up, you’re going to be in jail,” Judge Hynes said.

Lehnerer’s next court appearance is April 8 in Bridgeview.