Man gets probation in cocaine case

An Antioch man was placed on probation for three years Tuesday after admitting he possessed nearly two ounces of cocaine.

Kevin Dastic, 32, must also pay a $2,500 fine and perform 250 hours of community service as part of his sentence.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Steven Derue said agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group received a tip that Dastic would transport the cocaine on the evening of Sept. 15, 2009.

Officers in an unmarked car followed Dastic as he drove away from his residence in the 200 block of Bridgewood Drive, Derue said.

Police stopped his vehicle after Dastic illegally passed a car on Lake Street, Derue said, and a drug-detecting dog brought to the scene indicated drugs were in the vehicle.

A brown paper bag containing 43 grams of cocaine was found inside the car, Derue said, and Dastic was arrested.

Dastic was originally charged with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of cocaine, but Derue agreed to drop the delivery charge in exchange for a guilty plea to possession.

Derue said Dastic could have been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the original charges against him.