Three facing drug charges after Algonquin search

An Algonquin couple and their roommate are facing drug charges after police found large quantities of heroin in their home while executing arrest warrants Friday in the northwest suburb.

The U.S. Marshal Service Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force arrived at the home in the 1000 block of Oak Lane in Algonquin Friday to arrest 23-year-old Heather L. Vasil and 28-year-old Paul S. Benzinger, according to a statement from the McHenry County sheriff’s office. They were both wanted on multiple drug charges resulting from a five-month investigation by the sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force.

During the arrests, officers saw narcotics-related items “in plain view” and obtained a search warrant for the home, the sheriff’s office said. They found 7.6 grams of heroin, 1.3 grams of marijuana and $896 in cash, in the home, as well as drug paraphernalia throughout the home and front yard.

A 2-year-old child living in the home was turned over to a family member and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified, the sheriff’s office said.

Vasil and Benzinger were both charged with delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a park, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the life of a child and marijuana possession, according to the sheriff’s office. Benzinger’s bond was set at $39,000, while bond for Vasil was set at $32,500.

They were both expected to appear in court again Wednesday morning.

A roommate of the couple, 25-year-old Zachary D. Armijo, was also arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, the sheriff’s office said. He was ordered held on a $1,500 bond and was scheduled to appear in court March 15.

Paul S. Benzinger. | McHenry County sheriff

Zachary D. Armijo | McHenry County sheriff