An Aurora man faces at least 15 years’ imprisonment for possessing 9 kilograms of heroin.

Modesto Alarcon, 44, of the 1000 block of Grove Street, Aurora, has been convicted by Circuit Judge Donald M. Tegeler, Jr., of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony, and money laundering, a Class 1 felony. Alarcon waived his right to a jury trial.

Kane County Assistant State’s Attorneys Jody Gleason and Amy McGowan presented evidence that on April 1, 2014, Aurora police and Department of Homeland Security Investigations agents conducted a lawful search of Alarcon’s Grove Street residence. They found approximately 9 kilograms of heroin, $84,000 in cash, a handgun, ammunition and items consistent with drug distribution, all of which were seized. Authorities estimate the heroin’s street value at $1.35 million.

Tegeler set Alarcon’s next court appearance for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 2017, in Courtroom 311 at the Kane County Judicial Center for motions and sentencing. Alarcon faces a sentence of between 15 and 60 years’ imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Modesto Alarcon (CREDIT: Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office Facebook page)

Alarcon remains in custody at the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his arrest in lieu of $15 million bail. Bond was revoked upon conviction.

“Heroin is dangerously addictive and deadly. Its use has brought tragedy to probably every community in the Chicago area. Mr. Alarcon is a drug dealer. At the time of his arrest, the 9 kilos of heroin seized in this case represented one of the largest heroin seizures by a Kane County law-enforcement agency. Mr. Alarcon’s conviction is a meaningful victory for the community and all in law-enforcement who continue to deal with the challenges of the heroin epidemic. Thanks to the Aurora Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this case,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said.

Kane County ASAs Gleason and Amy McGowan prosecuted the case.

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