Kane County Jury Convicts Missing Union Man in Cocaine Case
Judge revokes bail for Juan C. Cruz Aceves after he misses bench trial over 2.4 kilos of drugs found during a traffic stop.
By Aiko Sato ·
Juan C. Cruz Aceves, a 32-year-old former resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was convicted in absentia in Kane County on October 23 for possessing cocaine with intent to deliver. The verdict came after a three-day bench trial in which Cruz Aceves failed to appear, despite having waived his right to a jury trial earlier in the process. His attorney represented him during the proceedings.
Kane County authorities stated that Judge D.J. Tegeler revoked Cruz Aceves’ bail and issued a warrant for his arrest following his absence from the courtroom. The case originated when an Illinois State Police officer stopped the defendant for speeding on westbound Interstate 90 near Huntley.
During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that Cruz Aceves lacked a valid driver’s license and that his vehicle did not have valid insurance coverage. Consequently, officials towed the car. While conducting a tow inventory of the vehicle, officers discovered a backpack containing approximately 2.4 kilograms of cocaine.
The release from Kane County officials noted that the drugs were packaged in two brick-style bundles wrapped in black tape and plastic. Authorities estimated the street value of the cocaine to be approximately $200,000. Cruz Aceves was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.
Cruz Aceves is scheduled to appear in court on December 18 for sentencing. He faces a prison term of 15 to 60 years if convicted on both counts. Authorities indicated that he could be sentenced in absentia if he does not show up for the hearing, similar to his absence during the trial.
Assistant State’s Attorney Hillary Sadler thanked the Illinois State Police for their role in intercepting the drugs before they reached consumers. She also acknowledged the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and the Aurora Police Department for their assistance in bringing the case to trial. Sadler credited her trial partner, Jake Matekaitis, for conducting the trial alongside her. She noted that while the defendant chose to absent himself from the trial, he would not evade the consequences of his actions.
