Brookfield police spearheaded an investigation into illegal drug dealing in Brookfield and elsewhere that led to the arrest of a 38-year-old Countryside man on Jan. 27.
According to Det. James Burdett, Brookfield police used a confidential informant to purchase cocaine on two occasions from Jerome S. Matuch at Matuch’s home at 5349 S. 7th Ave. in Countryside. Burdett added that police believe Matuch “has been active in Brookfield.”
As a result of the drug buys by the informant, Brookfield police obtained a search warrant. At 7:15 a.m. on Jan. 27, Brookfield police, assisted by members of the Major Case Assistance Team, descended on Matuch’s home and arrested him. The Cook County State’s Attorneys office approved a pair of felony charges against Matuch, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony.
During a search of Matuch’s home, police reported discovering a total of 28.6 grams of cocaine, 17.6 grams of cannabis and $3,600 in cash, along with drug paraphernalia and an unregistered 12-gauge shotgun.
The Class X felony charge against Matuch could result in a sentence of anywhere from 6 to 30 years in jail and a fine up to $500,000 if convicted.
In addition to the felony charges, Matuch was also charged with possession of cannabis (a Class A misdemeanor), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm with out a Firearm Owners Identification card.
?”Bob Uphues
