Grayslake woman gets probation for cocaine possession

A Grayslake woman was placed on probation for two years Friday after pleading guilty to possessing the cocaine police found in her house. Megan Hertel, 26, will have the felony conviction erased from her record if she completes the probation without further trouble with the law.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Rod Drobinski said Grayslake police were called to Hertel's residence at 623 Oriole Court because of a domestic dispute about 12:55 a.m. on March 20.

Officers who arrived saw items of drug paraphernalia in the house, Drobinski said, and later found 1.5 grams of cocaine in the pocket of Hertel's coat.

Associate Judge Christopher Stride told Hertel she would have to pay a $600 fine and perform 75 hours of public service during the time she is on probation.

Stride also told Hertel she would have to complete any drug treatment program recommended by her probation officer.

Hertel could have been sentenced to up to three years in prison if she had been convicted after a trial.