Cocaine Dealer Sells Drugs Near Lake County Middle School: Sheriff

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Beach Park woman has been charged with six felonies after police said she was dealing narcotics (cocaine), including sales that occurred within 500 feet of a middle school. Karla L. Rangel-Tirado, 30, of the 37800 block of North Metropolitan Avenue, was arrested Monday following a traffic stop.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Rangel-Tirado was charged with two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 500 feet of a school; two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance; and two felony counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Rangel-Tirado remains in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing.

Earlier this year, the LCSO's Special Investigations Group had learned Rangel-Tirado had been actively trafficking narcotics in the area. During the investigation, detectives conducted multiple undercover controlled purchases of cocaine from Rangel-Tirado. Two of the transactions took place within 500 feet of a middle school in Waukegan.

"Whether it's a large-scale trafficking operation or an individual dealer targeting our communities, our Special Investigations Group is committed to disrupting the sale of dangerous drugs," Sheriff John D. Idleburg said. "Selling cocaine near a school is especially egregious, and I commend our detectives for their diligent work to keep our neighborhoods safe."

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