A North Chicago man has been arrested following a drug trafficking investigation that unearthed a meth operation out of a residence doubling as a daycare. The Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), tasked with high-intensity drug trafficking cases and funded by HIDTA, apprehended 27-year-old Delwin L. Hodge on multiple drug-related charges.
The SIG detectives launched an undercover operation after information surfaced about Hodge allegedly involved in narcotics sales. Their investigation soon learned that Hodge was distributing methamphetamine in the area. During their surveillance, Hodge is said to have sold over 200 grams of methamphetamine to undercover agents. According to a statement obtained by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, a subsequent search warrant carried out on July 31, 2025, by the SIG detectives and the Sheriff’s SWAT team, led to a more disturbing discovery.
The search at Hodge's residence turned up packaging materials typically used for narcotic distribution, located predominantly in his bedroom. Signs that drugs had been hastily flushed down a toilet were noted. Furthermore, the presence of a firearm and ammunition was confirmed in the home. With multiple residents in the home, SIG detectives are still probing into the ownership of the weapon. More alarming, the unsecured firearm was within reach of children who were under the care of the home-based daycare, as per the officials.
Upon completion of the investigation, detectives brought the findings before the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which sanctioned multiple charges against Hodge. He faces "Three counts of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Class X Felonies), Two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 1 Felonies), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony), and Endangering the Life/Welfare of a Child (Misdemeanor)," as conveyed through the Sheriff’s Office press release.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg voiced his concern over the incident, stating, "It is absolutely unacceptable for anyone to traffic dangerous drugs in our community, especially from a home where children are present. The fact that methamphetamine was being sold and a firearm was left accessible in a daycare environment is beyond reckless. I am proud of the outstanding work our Special Investigations Group and SWAT did to safely apprehend this individual and prevent further harm." Currently, Hodge is held pending an initial court hearing, while the State's Attorney’s Office plans to request detention during his trial period.
