Chicago man accused of trying to sell large amount of cocaine in McHenry County

A Chicago man was arrested after allegedly arranging the sale of a half-pound of cocaine, worth tens of thousands of dollars, in McHenry County.

Raul Alvarez, 37, of Chicago, was charged with manufacturing or delivery of cocaine over 100 grams, a class X felony, and possession of cocaine over 100 grams, a class 1 felony.

A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Alvarez possessed between 100 and 400 grams of a substance containing cocaine and intended to deliver it around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday in McHenry County.

Court documents say Alvarez showed up to a prearranged cocaine buy when he was arrested.

He was found in possession of 231.7 grams of cocaine. The estimated street value of this quantity of cocaine is approximately $23,000, according to the DEA Chicago Field Division.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office arrested Alvarez and transported him to the McHenry County Jail.

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion to detain Alvarez pending trial, calling him a real and present threat to the community.

McHenry County Judge Carl Metz granted the request and said the amount of drugs found was “well in excess of the amount used for personal consumption.”

“The large quantity of cocaine the defendant possesses makes him a clear and present threat to the safety of anyone in the community who may consume the cocaine he sells,” Metz said.

The judge also said Alvarez’s communication about where he would stay if released pending trial was “inconsistent and not very credible.”

“GPS, electronic monitoring or any other conditions this Court may impose cannot mitigate the risk that the defendant will obtain more cocaine and sell it,” Metz said.

Alvarez is expected to appear in court again Tuesday for the status of the preliminary hearing.