5 raid suspects plead not guilty to drug charges

Five people arrested when police raided a Fox Lake house and discovered cocaine pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County circuit court.

Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne said all five face mandatory prison sentences of between nine and 40 years if convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver.

Agents of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and Fox Lake police raided the house at 49 Marvin St. Oct. 24 after agents said they bought cocaine there twice.

Sheryl Ellison, 37, and John Gillespie, 34, both of that address; Melissa Deering, 20, and Jeffrey Tibbs, both of 263e50 Wooster Lake Ave., in Ingleside; and Steven Malgren, 37, of 85 Lawrence Ave. in Fox Lake, were arrested during the raid.

Police found a little more than 4 ounces of cocaine inside the house, Henne said.

Circuit Judge George Bridges scheduled a trial of the case for Jan. 28 and ordered all five to appear in court again Dec. 20.