Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial a West Chicago man accused of selling cocaine to a Naperville undercover officer. Jeremy Soto, 29, of the 300 block of Ann Street, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with three counts of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Cocaine (2 Class X Felonies and 1 Class 1 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance - Cocaine (Class 1 Felony).

Through ongoing investigations into the sale of illegal narcotics, the Naperville Police Department identified Soto as a potential source in DuPage County. It is alleged that on May 6, 2024, Soto sold approximately 2.5 grams of cocaine to an undercover Naperville police officer in downtown Naperville. On May 20, 2024, Soto allegedly sold approximately 27.9 grams of cocaine to another undercover officer in the same area. Following this second alleged sale, Soto was arrested and taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in possession of approximately 21 individually wrapped baggies totaling around 20 grams of cocaine.

“Any day we are able to get a suspected drug dealer off the streets is a good day for DuPage County,” Berlin said. “Drug dealers care nothing for their victims, society or the rule of law. They care only about lining their pockets at the expense of others. I commend the Naperville Police Department for their outstanding, proactive efforts not only on this case but for their continued commitment to ridding our streets of those who peddle this poison. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alexandria Levan and Conor Greene for their efforts in securing charges against Mr. Soto.”

“This arrest, and the outstanding work that went into this investigation, marks a victory against those who try to sell drugs in our community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping this activity from occurring in our city,” said Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres. “I would like to commend the dedicated efforts of our detectives who worked this case, as well as State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his assistant state’s attorneys. We will continue to work together to uphold the safety and well-being of our community."

Soto’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 10, 2024, before Judge Daniel Guerin for arraignment.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.