Round Lake Beach man denies drug charges

A Round Lake Beach man accused of having cocaine and marijuana in his home pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Eugene Raymond III, 23, faces a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years if convicted.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne said Raymond's residence at 928 Cedar Lake Road, Apt. A, was the target of a search warrant served Nov. 6 by Round Lake Beach police.

Inside the apartment, police found three ounces of cocaine and nearly seven ounces of marijuana in several plastic bags. A digital scale, packaging materials and drug paraphernalia were also found, Henne said.

Court records show Raymond was sentenced to six years in prison in 2003 after being convicted of burglary and drug possession.

Henne said Raymond is charged with possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine with intent to deliver.

Associate Judge Christopher Stride scheduled a trial of the case for Feb. 2. Stark ordered Raymond, who is held on $150,000 bond, to appear in court Jan. 5.