19 charged after year-long drug investigation in Aurora

(AURORA) Nineteen people face federal and state charges following a yearlong drug investigation by federal authorities and police in west suburban Aurora.

“Operation Blue Flame,” which began in the fall of 2013, led to the arrest Tuesday of 14 people charged with distributing heroin and cocaine, according to Aurora police. Five others wanted on drug charges remain at-large.

The investigation led to the seizure of 47 grams of heroin, with an estimated street value of $5,600; and 256 grams of cocaine, valued at about $25,600, a statement from police said. Authorities conducted more than 40 separate undercover drug purchases near parks and churches.

Two of the defendants have been charged under federal statutes, while the other 17 face state charges, police said.

Karlid Lash, 45, of the 1300 block of Howell Place in Montgomery; and Eric D. Coachman, 45, of the 700 block of Concord Street in Aurora, face federal charges of delivery of a controlled substance, police said. Lash is being held without bond at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, while Coachman remains at large.

Police said the following defendants face felony state charges of delivery of a controlled substance:

— Tyree O. Pryor, 35, of the 700 block of South Route 31 in Oswego. His bond was set at $300,000.

— Michael A. Turner, Sr., 42, of the 1000 block of Grand Boulevard in Aurora. His bond was set at $200,000.

— Kenya Pittman, 43, of the 300 block of Old Indian Trail in Aurora. Bond set at $200,000.

— Jaquel K. Owens, 29, of the 100 block of North Kendall Street in Aurora. Bond set at $300,000.

— Shelly Vickers, 40, of the 600 block of Palace Street in Aurora. Her bond was set at $150,000.

–Steven L. Simmons, 40, of the 100 block of South View Street in Aurora. His bond was set at $200,000.

— Lafande C. Hicks, 48, of the 1200 block of Monomoy Street in Aurora. Bond set at $250,000.

–Darrius T. Darden, of the 600 block of Four Seasons Boulevard in Aurora. His bond was set at $150,000.

— Andrea S. Welter, 41, of the 500 block of Montgomery Road in Aurora. Her bond was set at $100,000.

— Andre T. Hill, 29, is charged with two counts. Bond set at $150,000.

— Michael James, 39, of the 800 block of East New York Street in Aurora. His bond was set at $200,000.

— Wendall C. Thompson, 48, of the 200 block of South Fourth Street in Aurora. His bond was set at $70,000.

In addition, 42-year-old Latasia A. Laurant is charged with six felony counts of unlawful use of a building for allowing drug sales to take place at her apartment while she was present, police said. Her bond was set at $70,000.

All are being held at the Kane County Correctional Center.

Four other Aurora men charged with delivery of a controlled substance remain at large, police said.

Authorities have identified the suspects as Kelly C. Stephens, 42, of the 400 block of North Avenue; Marcus J. Hill, 29, of the 100 block of LaSalle Street; Lawrence J. Rayford, 37, of the 100 block of North Calhoun Street; and Christopher M. Fenley, 40, of the 1100 block of Cumberland Avenue.

Anyone with information about them is asked to contact the Aurora Police Special Operations Investigators at (630) 256-5600.