Chicago, IL — Seven men are facing felony charges after authorities said they used a South Loop corridor near the Cook County Sheriff’s Office substation to sell drugs. The arrests come after deputies conducted an undercover operation targeting dealers in the busy Roosevelt and Wabash area.
The men charged include:
- James Macklin, 47
- Richard King, 34
- Fred Clarke, 33
- Diane Jones, 37
- Edward Coaks, 27
- Kylen Washington, 21
All from Chicago, along with Eric Harrington, 36, who was already in Cook County Jail on unrelated charges. Harrington was processed Wednesday on a felony cannabis delivery charge.
Bold Moves by Dealers Prompt Undercover Operation
Since the substation opened last June, residents and deputies reported ongoing criminal activity, including brazen drug sales right outside the station. Sheriff Tom Dart said deputies noticed a persistent uptick in activity along the corridor, prompting the sting operation.
As per CBS News, Sheriff Dart remarked:
“They gotta be pretty stupid thinking that’s going to go on for any length of time. I think this makes it clear we are going to be there, we’re not going anywhere.”
Undercover Sting Targets Dealers, Not Just Buyers
The operation focused on identifying and apprehending the dealers responsible for bringing drugs to the area, rather than just the customers. The arrests demonstrate the sheriff’s office commitment to long-term enforcement in areas affected by persistent crime.
Collaboration With Chicago Police
Sheriff Dart emphasized that the operation was conducted in cooperation with the Chicago Police Department. Deputies continue to patrol the area, maintain a visible presence, and question suspicious individuals to deter further criminal activity.
Community Response and Enforcement
Residents have expressed concern about drug sales and related crimes near the Red Line stop, an area identified as a hotspot. Sheriff Dart pledged ongoing operations, stating:
“Our only measure of success will be none of this is going on anymore… if you’re interested in testing my food selection at the jail, keep doing, and we’ll keep arresting you.”
Authorities said the majority of the arrests involve marijuana sales, but they remain committed to addressing all illegal activity in the area.
Your Turn
Do you live or work near Roosevelt and Wabash in the South Loop? Share your experiences, safety concerns, or reactions to these arrests in the comments below.
