Paramedic Who Brought Cocaine To Fire Station Not In Custody: Police

SHOREWOOD, IL — Alex Wilhemi, the 32-year-old Joliet resident who faces multiple felony charges after authorities say that cocaine, along with medical narcotics that were stolen from a hospital, were found at Troy Fire Station No. 2 on Seil Road in May, has not been located.

More than a week has passed since Joliet Patch broke the news, revealing that a bench warrant was issued by a Will County judge for the arrest of Wilhemi, who had an address listed for the 1100 block of Taylor Street in the Cathedral area.

The warrant for Wilhemi's arrest was issued on Sept. 25, court documents show. However, Wilhemi still has not turned himself in, according to Shorewood police officials.

According Shorewood police, Wilhemi has been represented for several months by downtown Joliet criminal defense lawyer Ted Hammel.

Patch called Hammel on Thursday morning asking about his client's outstanding warrant for his arrest, and Hammel said he could not make a comment about the case but that he appreciated the phone call.

Patch previously reported that Wilhemi was employed by Metro Paramedic Services and was a contracted employee for Troy Fire Protection District at Station 2 on Seil Road.

Wilhemi has been charged with theft and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

On May 8, Wilhemi possessed cocaine, according to the criminal complaint from Shorewood Police Detective Paul Retzke. That same day, court filings show, Wilhemi unlawfully possessed ketamine and the theft charge states Wilhemi obtained or exerted unauthorized control over property from the Morris Hospital, specifically medical narcotics, "with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of the use or benefit of said property."

Shorewood Deputy Police Chief Jason Barten has said the investigation was lengthy because Shorewood police had to verify the contraband and also work the investigation through numerous entities including Troy Fire, Metro Paramedics and the Morris Hospital in addition to conducting numerous interviews with various employees.

Barten has said it's his understanding the cocaine and other controlled substances were discovered by Troy Fire Protection District staff at Fire Station 2 on Seil Road. Afterward, Wilhemi was escorted off the property, back on May 8, and he is not involved with Troy Fire any longer.