Round Lake Beach man denies accepting pot package

A Round Lake Beach man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges he took delivery of a package containing 20 pounds of marijuana.

Gustavo Munoz, 35, faces a mandatory prison sentence of between six and 30 years if convicted of possession of marijuana and marijuana trafficking.

Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg said a delivery service brought a package to Munoz’s residence in the 1900 block of Karen Lane around 9:20 a.m. on Jan. 27.

Rothenberg said Munoz told a woman who lives in the residence that the package, which had been mailed in California, was full of marijuana.

The woman called police, and gave officers permission to search the house when they arrived.

The package was found in the basement, and police said Munoz refused to answer any of their questions.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman scheduled a trial of the case for May 7. He ordered Munoz, who is held on $100,000 bond, to appear in court April 11.