Man sold methamphetamine out of home operating as a day care, Illinois cops say

A man accused of selling drugs was operating out of a home that also functioned as a day care, Illinois deputies said.

Delwin Hodge, 27, was arrested in North Chicago following a search of his home July 31, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said.

Packaging materials for drugs were found, but deputies said they believe drugs were flushed down the toilet just before their arrival.

A firearm and ammunition were also found in the home in reach of children, deputies said. Officials are investigating who the firearm belonged to.

“The fact that methamphetamine was being sold and a firearm was left accessible in a daycare environment is beyond reckless,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said in an Aug. 1 news release.

Prior to the search, however, Hodge sold over 200 grams of methamphetamines to undercover detectives, deputies said.

Hodge was charged with three counts of unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child, officials said.

North Chicago is about a 40-mile drive northwest from Chicago.

This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Man sold methamphetamine out of home operating as a day care, Illinois cops say."