36 arrested in McHenry County warrant sweep

McHenry County Sheriff's deputies and officers from 10 other law enforcement agencies arrested 36 wanted suspects Wednesday morning, about a third of them accused felons, in what officials are calling the most successful warrant sweep in department history.

The sweep launched about 4 a.m., targeted repeat offenders wanted in connection with new charges or on multiple warrants. Of the 45 suspects sought, 36 were located and arrested.

"Studies show that most crime is committed by repeat offenders, so we thought if we had an opportunity to take some of them out of commission and lock them up, maybe crime will be reduced," said sheriff's Lt. Andrew Zinke.

Among those arrested were three brothers - Michael L. Silva, 21, of Crystal Lake; Jose R. Silva, 26, of Cary; and Brian L. Silva, 23, of Crystal Lake - on burglary and criminal damage charges filed in connection with a break-in at a Woodstock auto lot.

Also arrested was Nathan A. Estes, 29, of McHenry, on felony drug charges linking him to a multimillion-dollar indoor marijuana growing ring busted by sheriff's authorities in October.

Others arrested included Bradley H. Hermann, 24, of Fox Lake, on a charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance; Stanley J. Mikos, 54, of Antioch, also charges with unlawful possession of a controlled substance; and Michael J. Meyer, 24, of McHenry, on felony charges of residential burglary and theft.

The operation involved 32 officers from police departments including Huntley, Cary, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Island Lake, Lake County, the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The 36 suspects arrested is the most ever in a countywide warrant sweep, said Sgt. Tony Penna, head of the sheriff's Fugitive Apprehension Unit.

"It was a real good operation today, and the other police departments (that participated) should be commended for it," Penna said.