Crystal Lake man, driver arrested in cocaine bust

A 24-year-old Crystal Lake man remained behind bars Monday at the McHenry County jail, facing a dozen felony drug charges alleging he sold cocaine to an undercover narcotics agent four times since June, at times just across the street from a local church.

Alberto Salazar, 320 Van Buren, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the charges stemming from an investigation that began several weeks ago with an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers.

Members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force arrested Salazar on Friday when, according to court documents, he arrived at an arranged drug transaction outside a Crystal Lake convenience store with 28 grams of cocaine, valued at about $1,400.

The store is located across the street from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

Arrested with him was his roommate, Jesus A. Callejas, 24, who faces six felony drug charges stemming from two alleged cocaine sales to an undercover officer. Task Force Master Sgt. Tim Sebastian said Callejas served as Salazar's driver. Callejas too faces a maximum of 30 years in prison if found guilty of all charges.

In all, court documents state, authorities seized 108.5 grams of cocaine, worth about $5,425, during the investigation.

Both men are in custody unable to post a $10,000 cash bond. They are scheduled to appear in court later this week.