DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean have announced that a Villa Park man has been charged with selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer on three separate occasions.
Peter Thomas, 35, appeared in First Appearance Court where the Court denied the state’s motion to detain him pre-trial. Thomas is charged with three counts of delivery of methamphetamine (one Class 1 felony and two Class 2 felonies), one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (Class X felony) one count of misdemeanor resisting a police officer and one count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.
Following his court appearance, Thomas was released with conditions including that he does not possess or consume alcohol, cannabis or any controlled substances other than medically prescribed and submit to testing.
Through the course of their ongoing efforts in combatting drug dealers, the Elmhurst Police Department, working with the Chicago Police Department, identified Thomas as an alleged source of methamphetamine sales in the DuPage County area.
On Aug. 31, an undercover officer was able to contact Thomas and allegedly arranged to purchase an 8-ball of methamphetamine the following day. It is alleged that on Sept. 1, the officer met Thomas at a business, located in the 100 block of W. First St. in Elmhurst, where the officer purchased approximately 4.26 grams of methamphetamine for $40.
It is further alleged that the undercover officer made two subsequent purchases of methamphetamine from Thomas, one for 3.27 grams of methamphetamine on Sept. 30, and another for 7.33 grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 28. It is alleged that both transactions took place in Thomas’ residence.
After allegedly selling methamphetamine to the undercover officer on Oct. 28, Thomas went to the business located on W. First St. in Elmhurst, where he was taken into custody upon exiting his vehicle. It is alleged that when taking Thomas into custody, officers located a baggie containing approximately 29.48 grams of methamphetamine in his pants pocket.
“Drug dealers care nothing for their victims, society or the rule of law,” Berlin said. “They profit on the suffering and heartbreak of others and care only about lining their pockets at society’s expense. Drug dealing can fuel violence, destroy communities and leave a trail of broken families in its wake. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for their outstanding, proactive efforts not only on this case but for their continued commitment to ridding our streets of those who sell illegal drugs. I also thank the Villa Park and Chicago police departments for their partnership on this case.”
“I thank the officers and investigators from the Elmhurst, Chicago and Villa Park police departments for their outstanding work in this investigation,” said McLean. “Their professionalism, cooperation, and dedication were instrumental in building the case that led to the suspect’s arrest and helped protect our community from the harm caused by the highly dangerous and addictive drug, methamphetamine.”
Thomas’ next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 23 in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
