Off-White Powder In Flashlight Turns Out To Be Heroin, Fentanyl

ALSIP, IL — An Alsip man was arrested after an off-white powder tested positive for heroin and fentanyl at the Illinois Crime Lab, prosecutors said. Jeffrey Oakes, 51, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Oakes also has a DUI charge.

According to the charges, on Feb. 18, Oakes was found sleeping in a parked car in the 5500 block of Cal-Sag Road. Police searched the car, where officers said they found 15 grams of an off-white powder inside a flashlight. Police said the lab results from the state crime lab came back positive for heroin and fentanyl on April 12.

Oakes’ attorney told the judge that his client suffers from chronic pulmonary disease, cirrhosis of the liver and emphysema. The attorney asked the judge to consider electronic home monitoring.

“He can drive drunk,” Mahoney said.

“He wasn’t driving, he was parked and sleeping,” Oakes’ attorney said.

Oakes was released on a $10,000 I-bond. His next court date is May 9 in Bridgeview.

“I don’t care what your condition is,” Mahoney said. “If you as so much as spit on the sidewalk you’re not going to get out, ever.”