Aurora, IL – An 18-year-old Aurora man has been sentenced to prison following a months-long narcotics and firearms investigation that uncovered drugs, illegal weapons, and a fully automatic handgun on the city’s west side.
According to the Aurora Police Department, Eric Rosales was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to felony drug and weapons charges stemming from a search conducted in the 1200 block of Gates Street.
Investigators said the case began in early 2025, when officers developed information indicating Rosales—identified as having gang ties—was allegedly involved in the sale of illegal narcotics within Aurora and was believed to possess firearms.
In April 2025, police executed a search warrant at the Gates Street residence with assistance from the Aurora Police Community Oriented Policing Unit, K-9 Unit, and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, officers recovered 13 firearms, including AR-15–style rifles, a sawed-off shotgun, handguns, and a 100-round drum magazine.
Police also seized nearly 90 grams of cocaine, cannabis, and THC cartridges. One handgun was equipped with a device allowing it to fire fully automatically. Authorities noted that the firearm had previously been reported stolen.
As a result, Rosales was charged with multiple felony offenses, including Class X felony delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a machine gun. He later entered a negotiated plea, pleading guilty to one Class X narcotics offense and one felony weapons charge. Remaining counts were resolved as part of the agreement.
Court records show Rosales had no prior criminal convictions. He received credit for time already served.
Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas said the case highlights the department’s commitment to removing illegal drugs and dangerous weapons from the community and credited teamwork among investigators and partner agencies for the outcome.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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