Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl In Lake County: Sheriff

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Following an investigation that began in 2024, a North Chicago man has pled guilty to federal fentanyl distribution charges. Alfredo E. Rollins, 47, of North Chicago, was selling heroin laced with fentanyl in Lake County, according to the sheriff's office. He remains in federal custody.

In 2024, the Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group, a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-funded task force, initiated an investigation into potential fentanyl sales in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Chicago Field Division). At that time, detectives received information that Rollins was involved in the sales.

During a subsequent undercover investigation, detectives conducted were able to purchase more than 115 grams of a powder substance containing fentanyl and nearly 2,000 pills containing fentanyl from Rollins. He was arrested by police while inside his vehicle in North Chicago.

At the time of his arrest, LCSO said Rollins was in possession of more than 65 baggies of cannabis packaged for distribution. A subsequent search of his residence revealed more than two pounds of cannabis.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Rollins, and he was taken into federal custody in June 2025. On Dec. 16, 2025, Rollins pled guilty to distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

"Yet again, our Special Investigations Group investigated and arrested a dangerous offender who was selling a deadly drug in Lake County," Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, "I cannot stress enough that SIG, comprised of federal and local law enforcement, investigates and arrests some of the worst drug traffickers in the region. Every year, they prevent deaths from both firearms and drugs, while also making significant strides in combating human trafficking."