Warrant issued when Lake Co. drug suspect skips court

An arrest warrant was issued Monday when a Mundelein man failed to come to court for his trial on drug dealing charges.

Lake County Associate Judge George Bridges ordered Jose Chavez, 34, held on $150,000 if he is found.

Assistant State's Attorney James Newman said Chavez, of the 700 block of Maple Avenue, was scheduled to go on trial on charges he sold cocaine three times last year to undercover agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group.

Newman said Chavez is charged with selling an agent six grams of cocaine on July 1, 2008, another seven grams on July 18 and a little less than an ounce on Aug. 5.

Chavez was arrested after the Aug. 5 sale, Newman said, and another 10 grams of cocaine was found at his house after the arrest.

All of the sales took place in a parking lot in the 1400 block of West Petersen Road, Newman said.

Chavez faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted in the July 1 and July 18 transactions, Newman said, and up to 30 years for the Aug. 5 sale.

Chavez was released from custody shortly after his arrest when he posted $5,000 for bond.