Undercover investigation by Peotone police leads to arrest, felony drug charges

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August 26

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and Peotone Police Chief Bill Mort announce that a three-month investigation has resulted in felony drug charges against a 26-year-old man accused of dealing cocaine.

Jeremy Rutnicki, of Peotone, was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. He faces up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted.

Kevin Carvelli, 28, also of Peotone, was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted.

Rutnicki appeared in court Monday where his $750,000 bond was upheld. He must post 10 percent to secure his release while he awaits trial. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 19 in courtroom 405.

Bond was set at $10,000 for Carvelli. He must post 10 percent to secure his release while awaiting trial. A preliminary hearing in his case was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 29 in courtroom 405.

The Peotone Police Department on Aug. 22 executed a search warrant at Rutnicki’s apartment in the 100 block of North Second Street in Peotone and found approximately 60 grams of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia and cash.

The arrests were the culmination of the department’s undercover investigation into the availability of drugs locally.

“Chief Mort and the Peotone Police Department should be commended for taking an aggressive stand in the fight against illegal drugs in our community,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. 

Chief Mort thanked the Peotone Village Board for providing his department with the backing it needs to take illegal drugs off the streets.

“With the village board’s support, we’re going to add a canine unit to our department,” the chief said. “This unit will be another weapon in our arsenal in the battle against illegal drugs.”

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.