Pre-Trial Release Denied for West Chicago Man Charged with Selling Cocaine to Undercover Officer

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 (d.o.b. 6/30/1994) 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 the course of their ongoing investigations into the sale of illegal narcotics, the Naperville Police Department developed Soto as a potential source of illegal narcotics in the DuPage County area. It is alleged that on May 6, 2024, Soto sold approximately 2.5 grams of cocaine to an undercover Naperville police officer while in a vehicle in downtown Naperville. It is alleged that on May 20, 2024, Soto sold approximately 27.9 grams of cocaine to an undercover Naperville Police officer, again in downtown Naperville. Following the second alleged sale, Soto was arrested and taken into custody. It is alleged that when Soto was taken into custody, he was in possession of approximately 21 individually wrapped baggies totaling approximately 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, in front of 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.

Jeremy Soto

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.