Belvidere police team up with narcotics unit to make arrest

BELVIDERE – On Monday, May 2, an investigation by Belvidere Police Patrol Officers and the Belvidere/Boone County Metro Narcotics Unit resulted in the arrest of a Belvidere resident on felony drug charges.

On Monday May 2, the Belvidere/Boone County Metro Narcotics Unit and Belvidere Patrol Officers executed a search warrant in the 500 block of N. Appleton Road in Belvidere.  Approximately 129 cannabis plants, hydroponic grow equipment, scales, drug paraphernalia, and U.S. currency were seized from the residence.

Jose Aaron Gallegos, 23 of Belvidere was charged with one count of Unlawful Production of Cannabis Sativa Plants (Class II Felony).  Gallegos remains in the custody of the Boone County Jail with no bond.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. A Class II Felony is punishable by three to seven years in the Department of Corrections.

The Belvidere/Boone County Metro Narcotics Unit encourages anyone having additional information regarding narcotic trafficking or other criminal activity to call the Belvidere/Boone County Metro Narcotics Unit at (815) 544-2135 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 547-7867.

This press release, any additional information, and any associated photos will be posted on the Belvidere Police Department and Boone County Sheriff’s Facebook pages.

Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.

Every defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the State’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.