High School Cook Held on Drug Charges

North Chicago - A North Chicago High School employee faces multiple drug charges following a search of her home last week.

The North Chicago Tactical Narcotics Team searched the home of Carmen Rivera, 49, of 2037 Honore Ave. on Sept. 25, said Sgt. Fred Diez.

Police seized 5.7 grams of powder cocaine, 1.7 grams of marijuana, four doses of Vicodin, a narcotic pain reliever, two digital scales and various items of drug paraphernalia indicative of narcotics sales. Police also confiscated $430 in cash.

Rivera was charged with three charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child endangerment, Diez said.

Police said she sold cocaine from her home twice on the day police executed the search warrant.

Rivera said she worked as a cook at the high school. She is being held in Lake County Jail.

"This wasn't a big bust, but the fact that she works at the high school was a concern to me," Diez said.

Information on the child endangerment charge was not available.