SPD Narcotics Investigations Lead to Four Arrests

The Springfield Police Department’s Pro-Active Crime Unit conducted several recent investigations related to narcotics trafficking in the city, leading to multiple court-approved search warrants and four arrests.

On May 7, members of the unit executed a search warrant in the 1000 block of South 25th Street. During the search, officers located drug packaging materials, a firearm, drug scales and approximately 18 grams of suspected crack cocaine, according to police.

Dontrell Young, 23, of Springfield, was arrested on charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm with no FOID while ineligible.

On May 11, members of the Pro-Active Crime Unit executed another search warrant in the 2000 block of East Stuart Street. Police said the search led to probable cause for a subsequent search warrant at a storage unit.

In total, the investigation led to the recovery of six firearms, one of which was stolen, approximately 4.3 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 1.3 grams of suspected crack cocaine, a significant amount of firearm ammunition and $10,073 in U.S. currency.

Three people were arrested in connection with that case.

Darren Damerell, 36, of Springfield, was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Devonee Gray, 53, of Springfield, was arrested on charges of armed violence and possession of a controlled substance.

Taurus Chapman, 20, of Springfield, was arrested on charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, armed violence, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm with no FOID.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 217-788-8311 or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427.