Six defendants charged in federal investigation targeting narcotics sales in Rockford

Six individuals are facing federal criminal charges as part of an investigation into heroin and crack cocaine sales in the Rockford area.

As part of the probe, law enforcement conducted numerous controlled purchases of narcotics and conducted extensive physical and video surveillance. Authorities earlier this monthsearched a residence in the 4400 block of Grinnell Drive in Rockford and discovered distribution quantities of heroin.

The investigation was conducted by the Rockford Area Violent Gang Task Force and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police. The Rockford Area Violent Gang Task Force is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and includes members of the FBI and the Rockford, Loves Park, and Freeport Police Departments.

A criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Rockford charges six defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, with intent to distribute. Several of the defendants were arrested Wednesday.
Detention hearings will be held next week in U.S. District Court in Rockford.

Read the rest of the story in this week’s edition of The Post-Journal