Huntley woman charged in drug case must prove source of bail money

WOODSTOCK – A McHenry County judge on Wednesday reduced the bond for a Huntley woman accused in what authorities have described as an extensive family drug enterprise.

Before Rocio Domino, 37, can post the $15,000 to secure her release, she must prove that the source of bail is not from an illegitimate source, McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather said.

Domino is facing serious drug charges stemming from a DEA and McHenry County Sheriff's Office raid of her home last month.

Police confiscated 295 pounds of marijuana, 25 grams of cocaine, more than 60 pills of MDMA, also known as Molly, more than 500 prescription painkillers, and thousands of dollars in cash, police have said. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be $700,000.

Authorities also seized a Mercedes, a Toyota Sienna, a Nissan Altima, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a boat, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Randi Freese.

However, in court documents, prosecutors focused more on Domino’s husband. Her attorney, Special Public Defender Matthew Jara, noted that Domino has no prior history of delinquency.

Nicholas A. Domino, who authorities believe was the head of the operation, has twice been convicted of drug crimes. According to court records, he was sentenced to 12½ years in prison on a 1999 McHenry County drug case, and convicted federally in 2004 for distributing 311 grams of cocaine.

He was sentenced to 62 months on the federal case. In the newest allegation, Nicholas Domino, 45, was charged with two dozen felonies and remains in jail on $1 million bond. His next court date is Thursday.

Rocio Domino told the judge she has four children, who were placed by DCFS with a family member. According to a sworn affidavit, the couple is unemployed and collects $900 a month in government subsidies.

Nicholas Domino’s half brother, Adam K. Domino, 24, also was charged with a felony. He posted $4,000 and was released May 21. Prather reduced his bond a day earlier. The most serious charge against the Dominos carries a potential prison term of six to 30 years.