Eight arrested in Naperville on drug charges after undercover work

Eight people face charges stemming from an undercover investigation into drug trafficking in and around DuPage County, Naperville authorities said Thursday.

Sgt. Gregg Bell said the joint probe involving Naperville police, the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group and state police began March 16 when undercover narcotics agents first bought drugs from members of the ring.

Four of the suspects were taken into custody May 4 after an undercover officer bought about 4½ ounces of cocaine for $3,900, Bell said.

Following that arrest, the state police tactical response team searched a home on the 2800 block of Bluewater in Naperville where additional drugs were located. Suspects also were taken into custody in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn as the probe continued.

Charged with Super Class X felonies for delivery of a controlled substance were Theodore G. Cleveland, 24, of the 2000 block of Baldwin Way in Bolingbrook; Rolando Sandoval, 22, of the 2800 block of Bluewater Court in Naperville; and Heidi Bree, 20, of the 1900 block of Dunhill Lane in Aurora.

If found guilty, the three could each face prison terms of up to 40 years, Bell said.

Others charged in connection with the investigation are: Justin H. Prouflias, 19, of the 0 to 100 block of Sterling Circle in Wheaton, with a Class X felony for delivery of a controlled substance and Vanessa Nelson, 18, of the same address, with a Class 1 felony for delivery of a controlled substance. If convicted, Prouflias faces up to 30 years in jail and Nelson up to 15 years, Bell said.

Rachael Margo, 25, of the 9700 block of W. McLean in Melrose Park and Erica D. Steger, 20, of the 29W000 block of Winchester in Warrenville were charged with Class 4 felonies for possession of a controlled substance and Luis A. Sandoval, 20, of the 2800 block of Bluewater Court in Naperville was charged with possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor.

Bell said police recovered cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, cash, three vehicles and other items as part of the investigation.