Crystal Lake police charge 2 with drug-induced homicide in connection with heroin death

CRYSTAL LAKE – Crystal Lake police have charged two men with drug-induced homicide and other drug charges after the May 18 heroin death of 20-year-old Jacob Czipo.

John H. Galloway, 18, of the 1700 block of Hartford Lane, Crystal Lake, was charged with drug-induced homicide, delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance, police said. When charged, he was being held in McHenry County Jail on unrelated heroin charges.

Seth R. Ferguson, 22, of the 500 block of Delaware Drive, Lake in the Hills, was charged with drug-induced homicide and delivery of a controlled substance, police said. When charged, he was being held in Cook County Jail on unrelated charges.

They each face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of drug-induced homicide.

On May 18, Crystal Lake police responded to a report of an unresponsive man at a house in the 1700 block of Nashville Lane.

Officers at the scene found Czipo dead, and items around him made police suspect drug use was involved in his death, according to a news release.

Crystal Lake detectives and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office completed a seven-week investigation and discovered heroin had been delivered to Czipo just before his death. The coroner determined that heroin had been the cause of his death, according to the release.

Police obtained arrest warrants for the men, who already were in jail on unrelated charges.

Both men were being held in lieu of $1 million bond. They are expected to appear in court July 21.

Czipo was a Crystal Lake South High School graduate and attended McHenry County College, according to his obituary. Family described him as someone who "could melt the hearts of everyone with his gentle smile and infectious personality."