Joliet police uncover alleged gun-for-drug scheme by Wilmington men – Shaw Local

An investigation by Joliet police officers revealed an alleged scheme by two Wilmington men to trade guns for drugs, according to court records.

On Wednesday, Aaron David, 38, and Robert Delacruz, 35, both of Wilmington, were charged with gun trafficking for allegedly providing a Beretta firearm, a Colt AR-15 rifle and an M firearm -900 Calico to Isaiah Martin, 34, of Joliet. .

Martin was arrested April 23 following a traffic stop in Joliet where officers found bags of suspected drugs in his underwear, according to a court filing by prosecutors.

Agents obtained a search warrant for Martin's phone, which revealed text messages with David and Delacruz regarding the “gun-for-drugs trade,” prosecutors alleged.

David and Delacruz were apprehended during another traffic stop on June 3.

After Delacruz was read his Miranda rights, he allegedly told officers that “he and David went to Joliet every day to buy heroin,” prosecutors said.

“Delacruz later admitted that he had conversations with Martin regarding narcotics transactions and gun sales, and that he brokered the deal for the Beretta that belonged to David's deceased father because he and David had no money to buy drugs,” prosecutors said.

Delacruz allegedly admitted that he and David sold the Beretta firearm, Colt AR-15 rifle and M-900 Calico firearm “for narcotics to Martin,” prosecutors said.

Delacruz and David were charged with weapons trafficking, illegal possession of fentanyl and illegal sale or delivery of firearms.

Martin was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, possession of heroin with intent to deliver, and unlawful possession of cocaine and heroin. He has been on provisional release since April 29.

Will County Judge Ken Zelazo on Wednesday denied prosecutors' request to keep David and Delacruz in jail.

Zelazo ordered both men to submit to electronic monitoring while on pre-trial release. They are also required not to possess weapons and to surrender any they possess. Both men were also ordered not to consume drugs or alcohol.