Two men face drug and weapon charges in separate DuPage County cases

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced on July 15 that two men appeared in First Appearance Court facing unrelated weapon and drug charges. Sterling Boston, 33, of Willowbrook, was charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance—cocaine (Class X Felony) and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 Felony). Judge Michael Fleming granted the State’s petition to deny Boston pre-trial release. In a separate case, George Haddad, 59, of Downers Grove, was charged with four counts of delivery of a controlled substance—cocaine (three Class X Felonies and one Class 1 Felony) and one count of misdemeanor possession of a firearm with no serial number. Haddad was released pre-trial on electronic GPS monitoring under the condition that he must not possess any firearms.

While working with the U.S. Marshals Office on an unrelated matter, sheriff’s deputies identified Boston as an alleged narcotics dealer. On July 14 at approximately 10:07 a.m., members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Apprehension Team observed Boston leaving his residence. Authorities allege that after speaking briefly with officers, Boston began to walk away while reaching for his waistband before being detained by law enforcement, who discovered about sixty-five grams of cocaine in individual baggies. A search warrant executed at his home led to the recovery of similar baggies containing drugs, cannabis, and a loaded AR-style pistol without a serial number.

In Haddad’s case, investigations by the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group identified him as an alleged source for cocaine distribution in the area through June and July 2026. Officers purchased large amounts from him multiple times before executing a search warrant at his home where they allegedly found more cocaine packaged for sale, amphetamine pills, fourteen firearms—including one without a serial number—and cash.

Berlin said, “Any day we are able to get suspected drug dealers off the streets is a good day for DuPage County... I commend the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office and DUMEG for their outstanding proactive efforts not only on these cases but for their continued commitment to ridding our streets...”

Mendrick said, “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Marshals Service and our fellow law enforcement agencies to apprehend dangerous offenders... This successful operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration in removing illegal firearms... I commend the outstanding work...”

Boston's next court appearance is scheduled for July 22 before Judge Joseph Bugos; Haddad's next appearance is set for August 24 before Judge Mia McPherson.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The average student-to-teacher ratio in DuPage County was thirteen-to-one during the 2022-23 school year across its schools; teacher absenteeism stood at thirty-eight point three percent compared to Illinois' average thirty-five point six percent; York Community High School had highest white student enrollment while Metea Valley High School led among multiracial students; Westmore Elementary recorded highest Pacific Islander enrollment; Addison Trail High School had highest Hispanic student enrollment—all according to the Illinois State Board of Education.