Dec. 15--A McHenry man pleaded guilty Monday to an amended drug charge in exchange for a two-year prison term, but he could be free in four months, his attorney said.
Dale Hoagland, 33, of the 3300 block of West Elm Street, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of unlawful possession of heroin. Prosecutors dropped two felony charges of manufacturing/delivery of heroin and manufacturing/delivering of heroin near a school, public high school or park.
Hoagland, who was facing between six and 30 years in prison, will receive credit for time served since his April arrest in the McHenry County jail. Because he only is required to serve 50 percent of his sentence he could be out of prison in four months, said his attorney, assistant public defender Kim Messer.
Upon his release he will serve one year of mandatory supervision, said McHenry County Judge Michael Feetterer.
When Hoagland was arrested on April 13 he was the passenger in a car with Dustin B. Dodge, of the 27000 block of North Roberts Road in Island Lake. Messer said Hoagland has maintained that he knew nothing of the drugs being in the car. Police searched Hoagland and his backpack and found no drugs.
The drugs were found in the car hidden inside a fake Arizona Tea brand can, according to records.
Dodge, 35, who is still being held in jail on $100,000 bail, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license, according to officials.
Dodge was due in court Tuesday.
Police said the arrest began with a traffic stop near the intersection of Elm Street and Riverside Drive in McHenry. Police searched the vehicle and recovered 25 grams of raw heroin hidden in a concealed compartment, officials said.
Authorities estimate the street value of the heroin seized to be about $5,000.
Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.
