Home / Crime and Justice / Chicago Man Faces Prison in $45K Drug Bust
Chicago Man Faces Prison in $45K Drug Bust
30 Jun
Summary
- A Chicago man pleaded to eight of 19 charges in a major drug seizure.
- Investigators found over $45,000 worth of drugs in a Bellevue apartment.
- The suspect faces up to 88.5 years in prison for his role in the drug operation.
Steven Austin Jr., 45, of Chicago, entered a plea on June 30, 2026, to eight of the 19 charges he faced. This plea relates to a significant drug seizure that occurred in October 2025 in Bellevue. Investigators had executed a search warrant at an apartment where Austin was residing.
During the search, authorities confiscated drugs and cash valued at approximately $46,241. The seized items included various controlled substances like cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamine, and marijuana. Austin pleaded no contest to charges including delivering cocaine and possessing controlled substances with intent to deliver, among others.
Austin denied ownership of most of the drugs found, claiming the apartment was not his, though he did admit to owning some pills. Jaylene Edwards, the apartment's owner, also faces charges related to maintaining a drug trafficking place. Austin's sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2026, where he could receive up to 88.5 years in prison.
