Jury Convicts First Person in DuPage County Under RICO Law

By Amie Schaenzer | Patch Editor (Patch Staff)

A 35-year-old Chicago man became the first in DuPage County on Friday to be found guilty under a new state law that provides stiffer penalties for those accused of being a part of a larger criminal conspiracy.

A DuPage County jury found Terrence Steele, of 1634 North Parkside in Chicago, guilty Friday evening of heroin possession and sales for his involvement in an alleged drug ring that had been operating in Cook and DuPage counties, according to a DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office press release.

He was also convicted under the state’s new Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law. The law provides tougher penalties for those convicted of being part of a larger criminal conspiracy involving others and conducted over a period of time, prosecutors said.

Steele was among 31 people arrested on Aug. 27, 2013 on various drug trafficking and RICO violation charges following a six-month investigation by DuPage County Police Departments, the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the DEA and the Illinois State Police, according to the news release.

To date, prosecutors said Steele is the highest-ranking member of the alleged drug ring to be tried and sentenced.

The alleged ringleader, Andres Garcia, 26, of 4910 West Concord Place in Chicago, is awaiting trial on similar charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 21.

“While Mr. Steele may be the first defendant found guilty of violating our RICO law, I am confident he will not be the last,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “This is an important law that will be put to good use as we work to rid our streets of these drug dealers who seek to enrich their lives at the expense of others.”

Steele’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 12 for post-trial motions and return of the pre-sentence report.