Two individuals with previous felony convictions have been charged with multiple felonies following a narcotics investigation by the Cook County Sheriff's Police. Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced that officers recovered firearms, suspected narcotics, and drug paraphernalia from a residence in Harvey.
On February 19, the Organized Crime Division and Hostage Barricade Team executed a search warrant at a home on Lincoln Avenue after investigating drug activity there. Prior to the search, officers observed Demario Hughes, 46, leave the residence and conducted a traffic stop due to his revoked driver's license. He was arrested without incident.
Following Hughes' arrest, Dennis McCarty, 43, was seen leaving and returning to the home shortly after. Officers then executed the search warrant inside the residence and found two firearms—a non-serialized 9mm "ghost" gun and a .22 caliber handgun reported stolen in Valparaiso—and an extended magazine along with nearly 100 rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, they discovered a vehicle reported stolen in Chicago parked behind the home. Suspected narcotics including ecstasy, cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, cocaine variants, and drug paraphernalia were also seized.
McCarty was taken into custody at the scene. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a .45 caliber handgun. Neither McCarty nor Hughes had valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) cards.
On February 20, both men were charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/felon and various felony drug charges. They were ordered detained pending trial during their initial hearing at Markham Courthouse. Their next court appearances are set for March 5.
"The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."