Waukegan drug arrests lead to neglected animals
By Frank Abderholden fabderholden@stmedianetwork.com December 7, 2012 7:22PM
Raymond Winters
Article Extras
Updated: January 9, 2013 6:06AM
WAUKEGAN — An anonymous tip led police to arrest two men for two pounds of marijuana, which then led to their home where they had several dogs and puppies, a boa constrictor and other animals in filth and animal feces, authorities said Friday.
The men, Russell Newbill, 24, of the 500 block of Popular Street, and Raymond Winters, 28, of 2300 block of Seminole Road, also face at least 20 counts of animal cruelty and neglect, said Police Chief Daniel Greathouse.
“I am appalled by the deplorable conditions in which these defenseless animals had to live. Waukegan Animal Control is still investigating and will be issuing at least 20 violations for neglect, cruelty and breeding without a license,” he said.
The Waukegan Police Gang Intelligence Unit received a tip about drug sales at a home in the 2300 block of Seminole Road and set up surveillance on Nov. 30.
They saw two subjects leave in a vehicle and a traffic stop produced two pounds of marijuana. Police received permission to search the residence and they found another 28 grams of marijuana individually wrapped, a scale and plastic baggies.
The house was in disarray and police found animal feces throughout the residence. Animal control was called for the four adult pit bulls in the back yard, five pit pull puppies inside the home, a boa constrictor snake, a rat (snake food), a turtle and an exotic fish. They retained the animals for safe keeping and as part of their investigation which could lead to citations.
Newbill and Winters were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver. Bond for both was set at $30,000. Winters has several prior arrests and at least one conviction for dangerous drugs.
“This arrest resulted from an anonymous tip. I am grateful to the anonymous caller for giving us this information,” said Greathouse. “I know there’s a lot of talk about legalizing marijuana, but two pounds of marijuana is not for personal use. Drug dealers sell marijuana to kids and that is unacceptable by anyone’s standards,” he said.
Greathouse said the department still needs the public’s help by leaving tips on the department’s hotline number (847) 856-6444, which can be called 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
