GALESBURG, Ill. — Two men were arrested in Galesburg after a months-long investigation into narcotics distribution by the Knox County Sheriff's Office and assisting agencies, according to a press release.
Michael Villareal was found at his home at 227 Duffield Ave. while the sheriff's office conducted a search warrant late Thursday, Oct. 19. The sheriff's office found suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearm ammunition inside Villareal's house and took him into custody without incident.
Villareal was taken to Knox County Jail and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver between 15 and 100 grams, possession of firearm ammunition by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff's office also conducted a search warrant early Friday at the home of Casey McGee, another suspect, at 442 East Losey St. They found and seized about 4.6 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, 3.8 pounds of cannabis, multiple firearms, ammunition and U.S. currency.
The sheriff's office attempted to contact McGee near Villareal's home. He fled the area in a vehicle at a high rate of speed, driving off the road near Water St. and Seminary St. He drove along the railroad tracks until his vehicle was disabled due to its damage, and then he continued to flee on foot.
Knox County Sheriff's Deputies arrested McGee in the 400 block of East Losey St. He was taken to Knox County Jail and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, armed violence, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of ammunition by a felon, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver 900 grams or more, possession of cannabis with intent to deliver 900 grams or more and leaving the scene of an accident with vehicle damage.
The Knox County State's Attorney's Office filed petitions to detain Villareal and McGee on Friday, Oct. 20, which were granted by the presiding judge. Villareal is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., and McGee is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Monmouth Police Department, the Galesburg Police Department, the FBI TOC West Drug Task Force and the Knox County States Attorney's Office.
The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff's office expects further arrests.
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