Area drug dealers arrested

By Jean Dobrzynski

Two DeKalb men were arrested Friday, one who was labeled as a major drug dealer in the area, after a two-year investigation by the North Central Narcotics Task Force.

Kerry Douglas “Doug” West, 34, of 117 E. Locust St. and Terry H. Spencer, 34, of 1307 W. Lincoln Hwy., were arrested on a warrant while driving a 1988 Ford Mustang GT containing approximately 249 grams of cannabis, said Illinois State Police Sgt. Roy Garcia.

West was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, felony charges which carry penalties of up to 45 years in prison. Bond for West was set at $450,000.

Spencer, who Garcia said was a customer of West, was charged with possesion of cannabis with intent to deliver and possession of cannabis. Both charges combined carry a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. His bond was set at $10,000.

More items were seized at a “stash house” in DeKalb, address not revealed, some of which are believed to be stolen. Police found $1,440 in cash, about 75 grams of cocaine, 2 pounds of marijuana, 2 scales, a safe, a refrigerator with a lock on it, four bottles of a substance commonly used to “cut” cocaine and other miscellaneous drug paraphernalia.

Also seized was jewelry which still had its price tags on, several cases of wine and a stereo.

Garcia said authorities searched West’s home in February 1992 after obtaining a warrant, but only found surveillance cameras set up so West could avoid police while watching monitors inside his home.

West is believed to have made about $5,000 a week, Garcia said, which is part of the reason why the arrest is important.

“The length of time it took us to get him and his substantial income over the years makes this arrest so significant,” he said. “He was selling to people all over the DeKalb area.”

Garcia said it is possible that West has more “stash houses” around the area, and the investigation still is continuing.

“We need more people to talk to us and more cooperation from people to stop this type of trafficking,” he said.

The NCNTF is made up of representatives from the DeKalb Police Department, Sycamore Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, University Police and the Illinois State Police.