Driver faces prison term after cocaine found in towed car

Kane County prosecutors secured a felony conviction for a driver who failed to appear at his trial after a large quantity of cocaine was found in his vehicle.

Juan C. Cruz Aceves, 32, formerly of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was found guilty on Oct. 23 of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. That charge is a Class X felony. The jury also found him guilty of possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.

The case began when an Illinois State Police officer stopped Cruz Aceves for speeding on westbound Interstate 90 near Huntley. The trooper determined that the driver lacked a valid license and that the vehicle did not have valid insurance coverage. Consequently, the car was towed.

During a standard inventory of the towed vehicle, officers discovered a backpack. Inside the backpack were two brick-style bundles of cocaine wrapped in black tape and plastic. The total weight was approximately 2.4 kilograms. Authorities estimated the street value of the drugs at roughly $200,000.

Cruz Aceves had previously waived his right to a jury trial and chose to be represented by an attorney at the bench trial. He did not appear in court for the three-day proceeding. Judge D.J. Tegeler revoked bail and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Assistant State’s Attorney Hillary Sadler thanked Illinois State Police for targeting drug transporters. She also acknowledged the support of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the Aurora Police Department. Sadler noted that while the defendant chose to absent himself from the trial, he will not evade the consequences of his illegal activity.

Cruz Aceves is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18. He faces a prison sentence of 15 to 60 years. If he does not show up for the sentencing hearing, authorities said he could be sentenced in absentia.