A Lindenhurst woman, Jessica M. Draper, 33, is facing serious charges after prosecutors revealed she sold cocaine to undercover detectives on multiple occasions in Lake County, including near a church daycare during school hours.
Draper was charged with manufacturing or delivering cocaine near a school, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from six separate drug transactions that took place in the spring and summer of this year, arranged by the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group.
Assistant State’s Attorney Emily Shanley-Roberts stated that Draper carefully selected the locations for these drug deals, with four of the six taking place within 500 feet of a church that also had a daycare facility. During these transactions, Draper sold over 12 grams of cocaine to undercover officers. Although she intended to sell more, she reportedly ran out of supply during one of the meetings.
Shanley-Roberts emphasized Draper’s choice to continue selling illicit drugs despite the proximity to a daycare and places of worship. “At any point, this defendant could have stopped selling illicit drugs, could have chosen different locations not within close proximity to a daycare and places of worship but instead she continued to do so,” Shanley-Roberts said.
Draper has a criminal history, including prior drug arrests and at least 13 failures to appear in court. Due to her history and the serious nature of the charges, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Draper pending trial, labeling her a threat to the community and a flight risk.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak granted the petition, ordering Draper to remain in the Lake County Jail pending her trial. Draper is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on August 15.
