Lake County, IL – A Beach Park woman was arrested Monday on allegations of cocaine trafficking, including sales within 500 feet of a middle school in Waukegan.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest followed a months-long investigation by the Special Investigations Group (SIG), a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-funded task force. Detectives allege that 30-year-old Karla L. Rangel-Tirado, of the 37800 block of North Metropolitan Avenue in Beach Park, conducted multiple drug transactions in the area. Authorities said undercover detectives purchased cocaine from Rangel-Tirado on several occasions, including two alleged sales that occurred near a school.
On Monday, SIG detectives conducted a traffic stop, taking Rangel-Tirado into custody without incident. Following a review of the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved multiple charges: two counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 500 feet of a school (Class X felonies), two counts of delivery of a controlled substance (Class 1 felonies), and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felonies).
“Whether it’s a large-scale trafficking operation or an individual dealer targeting our communities, our Special Investigations Group is committed to disrupting the sale of dangerous drugs,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in a statement. “Selling cocaine near a school is especially egregious, and I commend our detectives for their diligent work to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Rangel-Tirado remains in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court appearance. Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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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