UPDATED: High bond for suspected dealer after Bloomington drug raids

Posted on November 2, 2018
police car
Bloomington Police and federal authorities arrested four men and raided three apartments after a three month investigation into cocaine dealing in the city. (Photo by Flickr/davidsonscott15)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A McLean County judge has set a high bond for one of four local men arrested early Friday after Bloomington Police and federal investigators conducted a series of drug raids in the city.

Lorenzo Aken, 38, of Bloomington will have to come with a $200,000 cash bond to be released from the McLean County Jail on a charge of delivering a controlled substance. Aken faces up to 30 years in prison if he’s convicted on the Class X felony.

Bond has yet to be set for Larry Lanier, 52, of Bloomington who faces a less serious felony charge of unlawful use of a building.

Two other suspects, Raymone Stephens, 30, and Khalil Hood, 23, both from Bloomington, face federal charges.

Authorities said they executed search warrants early Friday morning in a pair of apartments at 2010 E. Empire and 2102 E. Empire, and at 705 Fairmont Dr.

Investigators said they seized about 300 grams of crack and powder cocaine, approximately $6,900 in suspected drug money, three handguns, a shotgun, and a bullet proof vest.

Police said the raids capped a three-month investigation.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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