ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TASK FORCE RECOVERS MULTIPLE WEAPONS AND METHAMPHETAMINE DURING SEARCH WARRANT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025
ROCKFORD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT) executed a search warrant in Rockford, resulting in criminal charges for two Rockford residents and the recovery of multiple weapons and narcotics.
On January 24, 2025, SLANT agents, with assistance from the ISP SWAT team, ISP Troop 1 officers, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office canine unit, executed a search warrant at residence in the 1700 block of 16th Avenue in Rockford. Officers recovered a handgun with a fully automatic switch capability, two rifles, and another handgun. Over 30 grams of cocaine and nearly 15 grams of methamphetamine were also seized.
Agents took 33-year-old Paige N. Mueller of Rockford, IL into custody. Agents presented their case against Mueller to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and she was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun by a Felon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Mueller is being held at the Winnebago County jail.
Agents identified a second suspect, 32-year-old Michael D. Dean Jr., also of Rockford, IL. The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office approved multiple charges for Dean Jr., including two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, two counts of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, and Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine. An arrest warrant has been issued for Dean.
There is no additional information.
The charges are not evidence against the defendants, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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