Man held on gun charge in Hanover Park

A Rockford man whose status as a felon prohibits him owning a gun has been charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Edward Vega, 21, was ordered held on $75,000 bail Monday by Cook County Judge Joseph Cataldo. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.

Prosecutors say Vega was riding in a car about 8 p.m. Saturday near Lake and Church streets in Hanover Park when a Hanover Park police officer stopped the vehicle for having no front license plate and only one headlight.

After smelling marijuana, the officer found a container containing the residue of a green leafy substance, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney David Shin. The officer also found a revolver wrapped in clothing in the rear passenger seat where Vega was sitting, Shin said.

Vega, who has 2015 burglary and 2013 residential burglary convictions from Kane County, admitted the weapon was his, Shin said. Because of his background, Vega is not eligible for probation, Shin said.

Vega next appears in court in May 19.