AURORA MAN GETS 60 YEARS FOR POSSESSING 8+ kg OF HEROIN

Feb. 27, 2017

An Aurora man who was at the center of one of the largest heroin seizures in Kane County history has received the maximum prison sentence.

Modesto Alarcon (aka David Altamirano), 46, of the 1000 block of Grove Street, Aurora, was sentenced Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, by Circuit Judge Donald M. Tegeler, Jr., to 60 years’ imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Alarcon was convicted Dec. 21, 2016, by Judge Tegeler 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 more than eight 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 $1.3 million.

Alarcon had faced a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.

According to Illinois law, Alarcon must serve at least 75 percent of the sentence. He receives credit for 1,062 days served in the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his arrest. Bail was $15 million. Bond was revoked upon conviction.

In addition, Alarcon was ordered to pay a fine of $1.3 million, the estimated value of the heroin.

“This 60-year sentence, the maximum allowed by the law, makes it clear that the community has no tolerance for heroin and other dangerous, addictive and deadly drugs. We have seen far too many lives tragically ended or ruined by heroin. This is a meaningful victory for the community, as well as for those in law enforcement who have been working hard to remove this poison from our streets. Thanks to the Aurora Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this case,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said.