Man gets probation for drug possession
A Milwaukee man was placed on probation for four years Wednesday for possessing an ounce of cocaine.
Lake County Circuit Judge James Booras also ordered Antonio Rodriguez, 39, to pay a $2,000 fine and to perform 200 hours of community service.
Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Brett Henne said Rodriguez was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer on the Tri-State Tollway in Gurnee about 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2009.
An Illinois State Police trooper saw the license plates on the vehicle had been suspended, Henne said, and determined Rodriguez's drivers' license was revoked after stopping him.
A search of the vehicle turned up an ounce of rock cocaine hidden in the arm rest, Henne said, and Rodriguez was taken into custody.
He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, and could have faced four to 15 years in prison if convicted after a trial.
Booras told Rodriguez he would agree to allow Rodriguez's probation to be monitored by Wisconsin officials if they found him acceptable.