Five charged in heroin sweep in Downers Grove, Westmont

DuPage County narcotics investigators arrested two heroin suppliers, a street dealer, and two users in a recent sweep in Downers Grove and Westmont, police said Monday.

The arrests began about 8 p.m. Thursday and led to the seizure of about five grams of heroin, packaging materials and several pieces of stolen property, authorities said.

“It was kind of a one-night-get-everybody situation,” said Steve Loan, director of the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, which conducted the investigation. “It was a great night because these were dealers and customers affecting two DuPage towns, and we're aggressively targeting heroin sales.”

Loan said the arrests stemmed from an investigation into 24-year-old Rocky Martinez of Downers Grove, whom authorities said sold heroin to undercover officers three times since late June. Martinez was arrested after carrying out a fourth deal Thursday in downtown Westmont, Loan said.

Loan said police knew from earlier surveillance that Martinez dealt heroin purchased from Downers Grove residents Brandon Bohn, 26, and Tiffany Natter, 23. The couple was arrested in a traffic stop late Thursday or early Friday, he said, after they tried to contact Martinez about a drug deal. He said officers later seized 1.7 grams of uncut heroin from their home on the 4800 block of Woodward Avenue, along with packaging materials and stolen electronics.

Also caught up in the probe was Martinez's alleged driver and customer, 24-year-old Tim Crosson, who was arrested at his Westmont home along with 23-year-old Ryan Bell, also of Westmont. Loan said officers found the men in possession of a small amount of heroin. Bell also was wanted on a DUI warrant.

Bohn and Natter each were charged with heroin possession and delivery. They remained in the DuPage jail Monday on $75,000 bails. Martinez also remained in custody on a charge of heroin delivery with bail set at $50,000.

Crosson and Bell each were charged with heroin possession. They were released after posting $2,000 and $1,500 bonds, respectively, according to jail officials.

Loan said an investigation continues into the stolen property recovered.