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Algonquin woman faces drug-induced homicide charge in man's death

An Algonquin woman who in 2016 pleaded guilty to heroin delivery, now is accused of providing drugs to a 48-year-old Algonquin man who died of an overdose.

Heather L. Vasil, 27, of the 1000 block of Oak Lane, remained at the McHenry County Jail Tuesday on a Class X felony drug-induced homicide charge. If convicted, Vasil could be sentenced to as many as 30 years in prison. She would need to post $25,000 bail to secure her release from county jail in Woodstock.

Illinois State Police arrested Vasil Monday after an investigation into the June 4 death of James Robles. According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County court, Vasil provided Robles the heroin on which he fatally overdosed.

People who knew Robles, knew him as "Jimmy" or "Jim - an "outgoing, funny, loving" person who wanted "everyone to be happy and love one another," according to his obituary.

Vasil's arrest Monday wasn't her first run-in with the law. After a five-month investigation, Vasil and co-defendant Paul S. Benzinger were arrested in 2016 after police seized more than $3,200 worth of heroin from their home.

A 2-year-old child also was removed from the home and turned over to a family member, police said at the time. Both Benzinger and Vasil accepted plea deals later that year and were recommended for boot camp.

The McHenry County Public Defender's Office has been appointed to represent Vasil on the most recent charges, but did not have enough information about the case to comment Tuesday. Vasil is due back in court Thursday morning.

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