Lake Co. couple deny meth possession

A Lake County couple pleaded not guilty Thursday to possession of the methamphetamine and other drugs police say were found in their residences.

Apolinario Lecaroz, 53, of Mundelein and Maria Waterfield, 36, of Waukegan, face mandatory prison sentences of six to 30 years if convicted.

Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne said agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group served search warrants on the residences of both suspects April 14.

Henne said the couple was smoking methamphetamine at Waterfield's residence in the 2200 block of Waverly Place when police arrived.

Officers found closed to an ounce of methamphetamine distributed among several small plastic bags, Henne said, as well as one tablet of Ecstasy and a small amount of marijuana.

Later in the day at Lecaroz's residence in the 1000 block of Thomas Boulevard, Henne said, police found 37 Vicodin tablets and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Lecaroz and Waterfield are charged with possession of all the drugs found at her house, Henne said, and only Lecaroz is charged with the drugs found at his.

Associate Judge George Bridges scheduled at trial of the case for Oct. 14. He told Lecaroz and Waterfield, who are free after posting $5,000 bond each, to appear in court Oct. 14.