AURORA, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – An 18-year-old Aurora man has been sentenced to prison following a narcotics and firearms investigation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs and multiple weapons, including a fully automatic firearm, authorities said.
Eric Rosales was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one Class X felony narcotics charge and one felony weapons offense, according to court records. He received credit for time already served. Records indicate Rosales had no prior criminal convictions.
The investigation began earlier this year when detectives with the Aurora Police Department developed information suggesting Rosales was involved in selling illegal drugs in Aurora and was believed to possess firearms. Police said investigators also identified Rosales as having suspected gang ties.
In April, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of Gates Street with assistance from Aurora police’s Community Oriented Policing Unit and K-9 Unit, along with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
During the search, police recovered 13 firearms, including AR-15-style rifles, shotguns, handguns and a sawed-off rifle. Investigators also seized a 100-round drum magazine. One handgun had been modified with a device that allowed it to fire fully automatic and another firearm had previously been reported stolen, police said.
Authorities also recovered nearly 90 grams of cocaine, along with cannabis and THC cartridges.
Rosales was initially charged with multiple felony counts, including delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a machine gun. The remaining charges were resolved as part of a negotiated plea agreement.
Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas said the case highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal drug activity and remove dangerous weapons from the community.