3 men arrested in La Salle, Livingston counties cocaine bust

Tri-DENT investigation leads to arrests

handcuffs

A Streator man and two Ottawa men were arrested following a Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team investigation into cocaine sales in La Salle and Livingston counties.

Bradley S. Thompson, 39, of Streator, Rodney R. Wells, 59, of Ottawa, and Teddy A. Wheeler, 56, of Ottawa, were each arrested Thursday on complaints of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine) and taken to La Salle County Jail.

Thompson was arrested following a traffic stop conducted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and Tri-DENT agents. His bond was set at $2 million with 10% to apply for release.

Wells was arrested at his residence by Ottawa police and Tri-DENT agents. His bond was set at $1 million with 10% to apply for release. 

Wheeler was located by Ottawa police in the area of Norris Drive and Porter Street in Ottawa and taken into custody. Wheeler’s bond was also set at $1 million with 10% to apply for release.

Search warrants were executed at a residence in Ottawa, a residence in Streator and a storage unit in Pontiac by members Tri-DENT, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa Police Department and Streator Police Department. Following the search additional evidence was collected and additional charges are expected at a later date, authorities said.