Former deputy jailed in Will County on drug conspiracy charges

A former Cook County sheriff’s deputy was jailed in Will County on numerous charges stemming from an investigation of an international cocaine trafficking operation, according to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

On Tuesday, Juan Carmona, 46, of Burr Ridge was jailed on a $1 million bond warrant that was signed by Lee County Judge Jacquelyn Ackert, court records show.

A statewide grand jury indicted Carmona on charges of controlled substance trafficking, unlawful calculated criminal drug conspiracy, unlawful criminal drug conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance.

Attorneys with offices of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow are prosecuting the case against Carmona.

If convicted of the charges, Carmona faces up to 120 years in prison, Raoul office said.

In 2019, Homeland Security Investigations discovered Carmona’s alleged involvement in an international cocaine trafficking operation, according to a news release from Raoul’s office. In July of that year, HSI agents recovered more than 35 pounds of cocaine from two residences in the state that Carmona owned.

“Carmona allegedly told agents the cocaine was from Mexico and admitted to being part of an operation that trafficked the cocaine into Illinois,” Raoul’s office said.

In a statement, Raoul said he appreciated the diligence of Homeland Security Investigations and Glasgow’s office, which supported his office’s efforts to interrupt “criminal enterprises and hold accountable individuals who traffic and sell dangerous narcotics.”

Illinois Assistant Attorney General Gregg Gansmann filed a motion Wednesday for a hearing to determine the source of bail.

“Public policy demands that monies posted to ensure defendant’s appearance in court come from a legitimate source,” Gansmann’s motion said.

Will County Judge Dave Carlson made an order the same day for Carmona not to be released from jail until the hearing is held. Carlson also ordered Carmona’s $1 million bond to remain at that amount.

Carmona’s attorney, Gal Pissetzky, filed his appearance in court and his client entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

Carmona’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 10.