Police raid Wauconda-area business over falsified vehicle registrations

A lengthy auto fraud investigation culminated Wednesday with an armed police raid at a Wauconda-area construction business, authorities said.

Five truck trailers and an end-loader that didn't have vehicle identification numbers were seized during the operation at K Konstruction, 29693 N. Rand Road.

Police simultaneously searched the North Barrington home of the firm's owner. They confiscated rifles, shotguns, handguns and ammunition, including a box of illegal armor-piercing rounds, authorities said.

The business owner was arrested at his company and faces felony charges. Ronald Laverdure, 56, of 64 Hillburn Lane, North Barrington, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

Police found a white powder believed to be cocaine in Laverdure's office, said Illinois Secretary of State Police Lt. Jim Murphy.

Additional charges are expected to be filed in the near future, said Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Pavletic.

Secretary of State Police, with assistance from the state's attorney's office and the Illinois State Police, raided the business and Laverdure's home about 10 a.m.

The investigation began more than a year ago after police received an anonymous tip, Murphy said. The case focused on title fraud, the concealment of vehicle identification numbers and the removal of those numbers, he said.

Last week, police seized 13 truck tractors and eight trailers that belonged to K Konstruction but had been taken to a Morris business for an auction, Murphy said.

On Wednesday, officers wore armor and were heavily armed because surveillance work indicated one employee carried a firearm, Murphy said. Additionally, two German shepherd dogs were at the business, he said.

Those dogs were shot and killed by police after they charged the officers, Murphy said. No officers were hurt.

Laverdure did not resist when he was arrested, police said. Four other people also were arrested but later were released without charges, police said.

At Laverdure's home, which police said belongs to his mother, authorities seized seven rifles, two shotguns, five pistols and ammunition, Murphy said. Neither Laverdure nor his mother has a state firearm owner's identification card, he said.

The searches continued Wednesday afternoon.

Laverdure was taken to the Lake County jail after his arrest. He was held on $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court July 24.