Peter Thomas, the 35-year-old owner of Pilot Pete's Coffee and Treats inside Elmhurst's Metra station, has been charged with selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer on three separate occasions, according to authorities. Thomas, who lives in Villa Park, was arrested on Oct. 28 after allegedly going to his own business with methamphetamine in his pocket.
Thomas faces three counts of delivery of methamphetamine, along with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, resisting a police officer and unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, according to Shaw Local. DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean both said Thomas was charged with selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer three separate times, according to ABC7 Chicago.
The alleged transactions stretched over nearly two months. On Aug. 31, an undercover officer contacted Thomas and allegedly arranged to purchase an 8-ball of methamphetamine for the following day, per the same account from Shaw Local. The next day, Sept. 1, the officer allegedly bought roughly 4.26 grams of methamphetamine for $40 at Thomas' business in the 100 block of West First Street in Elmhurst.
Deals Allegedly Moved From the Coffee Shop to a Villa Park Home
Investigators say the drug deals didn't stop at the coffee counter. The undercover officer went on to make two more purchases at Thomas' Villa Park residence — 3.27 grams of methamphetamine on Sept. 30, and 7.33 grams on Oct. 28, the article notes. The methamphetamine sold during the business transaction was allegedly packaged in a brown envelope labeled Pilot Pete's Coffee & Treats, according to the Chicago Tribune.
When Thomas returned to his Elmhurst business on Oct. 28, officials said he was taken into custody with methamphetamine in his pocket. Shaw Local reported police found approximately 29.48 grams of methamphetamine in his pants pocket, while the Chicago Tribune reported the amount as 29.4 grams; both figures come from authorities describing the same arrest.
Judge Denies Pretrial Detention, Sets Conditions
Thomas appeared in court Thursday morning, and a judge denied the state's motion to detain him before trial. He was released on conditions that bar him from possessing or consuming alcohol, cannabis or any controlled substances except those prescribed to him, and he must submit to testing, per the same Shaw Local report. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 23.
A Coffee Shop Known for Charity, Not Controversy
Before the charges, Thomas had built a reputation well beyond his Metra station storefront. His Coffee With a Purpose initiative began in 2015 as a coat drive, inspired by his grandmother June, according to Elmhurst Magazine. Since then, Pete and his team have delivered thousands of coats and meals to those in need, the magazine reported.
That outreach extended into the city itself. Every other week during Chicago's harsh winters, Thomas brought hot coffee and warm coats to people experiencing homelessness, according to ABC7 Chicago's earlier reporting on his community work. The charges now stand in stark contrast to that public image, as the case moves toward its next hearing next month.
