An Elgin man has been sent to prison for a series of drug and weapon crimes.

Ramon R. Pickens, 44, most recently of the 1200 block of Fairwood Court, Elgin, was sentenced today by Circuit Judge Susan Clancy Boles to 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On Dec. 10, 2014, Pickens was convicted by Judge Boles of armed violence, a Class X felony. He waived his right to a jury trial.

On Nov. 26, 2012, Pickens provided less than a gram of cocaine to an undercover police officer in exchange for a 45-caliber semiautomatic handgun. Upon completion of the transaction, Pickens was immediately arrested by Elgin Police Officers, who were assisted by the department’s Tactical Response Team.

Pickens had delivered cocaine to the same officer several times earlier in November. On Dec. 2, 2014, Pickens pleaded guilty to those offenses, as well as to unlawfully being in possession of a weapon as a felon.

According to Illinois law, Pickens is eligible for day-to-day sentencing. He receives credit for at least 845 days served in the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his arrest in lieu of $400,000 bail. Bond was revoked upon conviction.

“These were violent crimes. Mr. Pickens’ intent was to rob his drug supplier. The community is safer with Mr. Pickens in prison. Our thanks to Elgin’s drug and tactical response officers for their wok in this case,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said.

The case was prosecuted by Kane County Assistant State’s Attorneys Kelly Orland and Scott Schwertley.

SOURCE: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office press release