Alleged Dial-a-Rock boss indicted

Cook County prosecutors announced indictments Thursday against four men charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful criminal drug conspiracy.

A sweep of the Northwest suburbs last month targeted a dial-up cocaine distribution ring that authorities dubbed Dial-a-Rock. They say it was headed by 40-year-old Ector Cortez, of the 2800 block of Algonquin Road in Rolling Meadows. Cortez is being held in Cook County jail on $1 million bail. He must post the full amount to be released.

Cortez's attorney requested a reduction in bail Thursday in Rolling Meadows. Prosecutors objected, claiming the defendant, who is a resident alien but has substantial holdings in Mexico, is a flight risk.

Also indicted on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful criminal drug conspiracy were: Julio Zenteno, 30, of the 1700 block of Palm in Mount Prospect, Adrian Peregrino-Garcia, 21, of the 1700 block of Poplar in Schaumburg, and Carlos Ruiz, 20, of the 2100 block of Tonne Road in Arlington Heights. Bond was set at $1 million for Zenteno and Peregrino-Garcia. Bond was set at $750,000 for Ruiz, whom authorities described as a runner in the organization. They must post 10 percent to be released.

Twenty-three people were arrested in last month's sweep, which was led by the Arlington Heights Police Department with assistance from the Chicago office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Police from Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg assisted in the sting targeting the suspected drug ring.

The men will be arraigned June 2 in Rolling Meadows.