Men from Wauconda, Prospect Hts. arrested in drug bust

Two suburban men who police said are heroin dealers were arrested after a weekslong criminal investigation, Lake County authorities announced Thursday.

James A. Valenzuela, 36, of the 25000 block of Tamarack Drive in Wauconda, is charged with felony counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Brian E. Crispin, 27, of the 500 block of North Maple Street in Prospect Heights, also is charged with felony counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

The men are half-brothers, police said. Valenzuela was the target of the investigation, which started in early February with a tip about possible drug activity at his house, Lake County sheriff's police said.

“This investigation serves as a fine example of concerned citizens working with law enforcement to solve a problem in the community.” Sheriff Mark Curran said in a news release.

The men were arrested Wednesday by Lake County sheriff's gang unit officers after a traffic stop.

Valenzuela was driving the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Police said he was carrying 56 bags of heroin. Crispin was a passenger in the car that was seized by police. He had 16 bags of heroin, police said.

The drugs weighed about 37 grams and had a street value of $1,440, said Det. Christopher Covelli, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

Detectives searched Valenzuela's house after the arrests but found no additional evidence, Covelli said.

Valenzuela is in Lake County jail on $125,000 bail. He is due in court March 15.

Crispin also is in Lake County jail, on $10,000 bail. He is due in court March 1.

Wauconda police assisted in the investigation.