Schaumburg parolee faces new drug charges

A 21-year-old Schaumburg man on parole for a 2009 burglary faces new drug charges.

A Cook County judge set bail at $400,000 Thursday for John Abel, charged with possession with intent to deliver several different drugs including hydrocodone, cannabis and mushrooms. He must post 10 percent, or $40,000, to be released from custody.

Abel was outside his home in the 200 block of Andrew Lane when Schaumburg police arrived about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Walsh.

Abel spotted them and ran inside, at which time officers went to the residence’s front and back doors where an officer saw someone toss out a green leafy substance along with a backpack containing hydrocodone pills, Walsh said. After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, officers found mushrooms, hydrocodone, scales, log books, money and a cellphone, Walsh said.

Abel later admitted to police he sold drugs out of the house, Walsh said.

He pleaded guilty in 2009 to forcing his way into the apartment of an Arlington Heights man and stealing $1,500 and some marijuana while a co-defendant held the victim at gunpoint, prosecutors said during Abel’s sentencing hearing on that charge. In exchange for his plea, he received a five-year prison sentence with a recommendation for the Illinois Impact Incarceration Program, also known as boot camp.

If convicted on the new charges, Abel could face up to 30 years in prison. He next appears in court on April 9.