Stevenson High student charged with selling drugs out of car

A Stevenson High School senior faces felony drug charges after a schoolmate’s on-campus overdose, police said Monday.

Matthew R. Sanders, 17, of the 0-100 block of Debill Court in Vernon Hills, had been selling drugs near campus from his car, Lincolnshire Police Chief Peter Kinsey said.

The other student survived the overdose, Kinsey said. She was treated at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and released, he said.

She has not been charged.

Sanders is charged as an adult with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis, police said.

Sanders was arrested Dec. 11 after police and firefighters were called to the school to assist a female student who overdosed on an anti-anxiety drug, police said.

The girl told police she acquired the drug from Sanders, Kinsey said. Investigators staked out Sanders’ Cadillac Eldorado, which was parked at a nearby train station.

When Sanders arrived at the car, police searched the car and found 13 grams of marijuana and 39 anti-anxiety pills, Kinsey said. They seized $300, too.

Sanders was released from Lake County jail after posting 10 percent of a $5,000 bond.

Stevenson High School spokesman Jim Conrey thanked police for conducting the investigation.

“This kind of activity cannot be tolerated on our campus,” Conrey said.

He declined to say if any school disciplinary action has been taken against Sanders.

Suspension, transfer to an alternative school program or expulsion are possible consequences of student violations involving illegal drugs or controlled substances, Conrey said.