Will County Gazette

On October 30, 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a residence on Partridge Drive in Plainfield. Defendant Ballard was located inside the residence at the time. Investigators discovered a hidden room after removing a decoration off of a wall. Inside the hidden room, law enforcement found approximately 2 kilograms of heroin, valued at $200,000 in 2015. Additionally, a large safe containing approximately $138,000 in cash was also discovered.

In the master bedroom closet, investigators found a 9mm handgun with a magazine containing 15 live rounds. Multiple scales, packaging materials, and a smaller safe resembling a book were also found at the residence.

The charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and can extend up to 60 years. Ballard must serve 75% of the sentence imposed.

State’s Attorney Glasgow commended Assistant State’s Attorneys Mark Shlifka, Kaitlyn Leone, and Donna Webdell; Legal Secretary Anita Barboro; Detective Chris Marshall with the Plainfield Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Plainfield and Aurora Police Departments for their commitment and hard work in this matter.