Suspect in $3.2 million Kane pot bust makes bond, returns to North Carolina
A 35-year-old man who authorities say was caught with more than 350 pounds of marijuana in Hampshire earlier this year has posted bond and returned home to North Carolina, where he'll live with his family while his case proceeds, according to court records and his attorney.
Levi Blalock, now of the 300 block of Eastwood Drive, Chapel Hill, faces 12 to 60 years in prison if convicted of felony marijuana trafficking.
Authorities say Blalock was arrested with an estimated $3.2 million worth of marijuana by a Kane County sheriff's special operations unit in the parking lot of a Super 8 motel on the 100 block of Arrowhead Drive.
Authorities also seized $3,100 cash along with 15 large garbage bags containing about 354 pounds of high-grade marijuana, officials said.
Defense attorney Paul DeLuca unsuccessfully argued in mid-March to have Blalock's bail reduced from $1 million to $300,000, meaning he would have to post $30,000 to be released while the charges are pending, according to court records.
A judge denied that request, but Blalock, who court records say is a construction worker, posted a little more than $100,000 cash a couple of weeks later and proved it came from legitimate sources.
"He has been allowed to live in North Carolina. That is where his family is," said DeLuca, who declined to comment further on Blalock's case.
Blalock is next due in court May 8.
Ask A Lawyer
The Kane County Bar Association's monthly "Ask A Lawyer Day" is from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. People can call (630) 762-1900 for a free consultation with a volunteer attorney on matters ranging from real estate and wills to divorce and bankruptcy.
There is a high call volume, so keep trying if the lines are busy; attorneys cannot access voice mail, so don't leave a message.
Shine a light
The blue hue coming from outside the North Aurora Police Department is not your imagination.
For all of April, the department is showing its support for Autism Awareness Month by lighting up the east side of the station that faces Route 31.
"Light It Up Blue" Day is every April 2, and world-famous buildings and landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and Trafalgar Square in London, turn blue to show their support.
Kane election hotline
The Kane County state's attorney's office will operate a hotline to handle any complaints of illegal electioneering, denial of voting rights and other matters for Tuesday's election.
The hotline is (630) 208-5328; for questions about polling places, call the Kane County clerk's office at (630) 232-5990.
hhitzeman@dailyherald.com