Aurora man guilty of cocaine possession

An Aurora man faces a mandatory prison sentence of at least 15 years after he was convicted Thursday of possessing two bricks of cocaine intended for distribution.

Kane County Circuit Judge James C. Hallock convicted Gilberto Montes, 39, of the 1000 block of Lisa Boulevard, of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

Montes waived his right to a jury trial.

Kane County Assistant State's Attorneys Andrew Whitfield and Lori Anderson presented evidence that on June 12, 2015, agents from Homeland Security, along with Aurora police officers, obtained consent to search Montes' home in Aurora. During the search, they found 2 kilograms of cocaine, packaging materials commonly associated with narcotics dealing, and more than $15,000 in cash.

Montes' next court appearance is 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1 for post-trial motions and to set a sentencing date. Montes faces a sentence of 15 to 60 years' imprisonment.

Montes remains in custody in the Kane County jail, where he had been held since his arrest in lieu of $2.5 million bail. Bond was revoked upon conviction.