Rockford Men Charged in Large Fentanyl and Cocaine Bust

After months of surveillance, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office was able to shut down a major drug operation in the city.

Sheriff's Narcotics Unit Launches Investigation in May

According to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, the Narcotics Unit launched an investigation in May 2025 after there were reports of large-scale drug trafficking in Rockford.

Law enforcement received intelligence about individuals allegedly selling significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the area.

Through investigations by the Narcotics Unit, two suspects have been identified:

Jerickoe D. Simmons, 38, Rockford
Cornealious K. Wells, 49, Rockford

Arrest and Search Warrant Yield Large Drug Seizure

On Thursday (7/24), deputies located Simmons in the 1100 block of Elm Street and arrested him.

He was taken into custody, and when being arrested, 140 grams of cocaine were found in his vehicle. The case then led investigations to a residence on North Avon Street, according to the press release.

A search warrant was executed at the Avon Street address, where deputies found Wells inside.

The search revealed over 2,300 grams of suspected cocaine, 850 grams of suspected fentanyl, 190 grams of suspected heroin, drug packaging materials, firearm ammunition, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

Charges Filed by State's Attorney's Office

Following the investigation, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized multiple felony charges.

Cornealious K. Wells, 49, Rockford, faces:

Possession with Intent to Deliver 400-900 grams of Fentanyl
Possession with Intent to Deliver over 900 grams of Cocaine
Possession with Intent to Deliver 100-400 grams of Heroin
Possession of Ammunition without the requisite Firearm Owner’s Identification Card

Jerickoe D. Simmons, 38, Rockford, faces: