Elgin man sentenced to 11 years for dealing drugs

Curtis Garza turns 25 on June 12. He will spend the day in Cook County Jail.

As for subsequent birthdays, the Elgin man will likely spend many of them in an Illinois prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony that carries a sentence of six to 30 years.

In exchange for the guilty plea, Cook County Judge Thomas Fecarotta sentenced Garza to 11 years in prison. Garza's 22-year-old girlfriend, Tanya Tasovac, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and received five years in prison.

Acting on information that the residents were selling drugs, Elgin police executed a search warrant of Garza's home in the 1700 block of Iroquois, last January, said Assistant State's Attorney Mike Gerber. Police recovered 18 pounds of cannabis, along with scales and sealed bags containing cannabis, Gerber said. Police arrested Garza and Tasovac, both of whom live at the address.

In a statement to the court, Garza, who has convictions for attempted theft and battery, admitted dealing drugs for nine to 10 years. He also expressed his love for Tasovac and his remorse for his behavior.

"I'm so sorry for everything I've done," he said. "This situation made me look at my life and the way it is going."

The court recommended Tasovac, who has no criminal background, for the Impact Incarceration Program run by the Illinois Department of Corrections. Also known as boot camp, the program is an option for first-time offenders. An inmate who successfully completes the 120-day program has his or her sentence reduced to time served. An offender who fails, serves out the rest of his or her sentence in a state prison.