North Cook News

Charles Hutchinson, the GOP candidate for Illinois House District 18, has sharply criticized the SAFE-T Act and called for a more aggressive approach to combat drug trafficking in the state. 

Hutchinson highlighted the severity of the drug crisis. 

“Illegal narcotics are a major issue in Illinois, which in 2023 ranked 6th in the nation with the most fentanyl deaths,” Hutchinson told North Cook News. “The fentanyl and other overdoses (both fatal and non-fatal) have been increasing year over year since 2013. While it is admirable that Illinois has been increasing the funding for behavioral and mental health, less is being done to stop the drugs from coming into our state in the first place.”

Hutchinson argued that existing state policies, including the SAFE-T Act, fail to adequately address the problem. 

“The largest weakness Illinois faces right now when it comes to battling drug crime and drug trafficking networks is the SAFE-T Act which permits ‘non-violent’ drug offenders to remain on the street where they can traffic more narcotics to more people,” he said. “Illinois policy is currently on the wrong side when it comes to prosecuting drug dealers and traffickers. Drugs destroy neighborhoods.” 

Hutchinson's comments follow a major drug bust nearby in McHenry County, where Gloria Gastelum, 54, and German Vargas, 22, were arrested with 120,000 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, one of the largest seizures in the region this year. 

This latest arrest follows a previous incident where two Mexican nationals were apprehended in McHenry County for allegedly smuggling 17 kilos of methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

Hutchinson also criticized the Trust Act, which he believes hampers effective law enforcement by restricting cooperation between local and federal agencies.

“The Trust Act which has stopped the cooperation between local police and federal agencies where it comes to effectively dealing with a criminal when immigration status is a factor,” he said. “Even if the people arrested carrying the drugs are U.S. citizens, it is very likely that within the chain of custody, both where the drugs came from, and where the drugs are going, a non-citizen is involved because Mexican drug cartels are the main suppliers in America.” 

Hutchinson emphasized the need for systemic changes to combat drug trafficking. 

“Gangs and cartels are ruthless,” he said. “They are run by and filled with ruthless individuals who do not care about the people of Illinois. Public policy must put the needs of the people and the needs of the victim ahead of the ruthless members and leaders of gangs and cartels.”

Hutchinson is an attorney in private practice at The Law Offices of Charles E. Hutchinson. 

He is campaigning on a platform of pension reform, tax relief and improved infrastructure. Hutchinson opposes Amendment 1, which would strengthen union rights, and believes that Illinois needs significant pension reform to address its $130 billion deficit. 

Hutchinson, endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, the NFIB-IL and One Chance Illinois - Action, emphasizes his commitment to reducing property taxes and removing lead pipes from drinking water.

District 18 of the Illinois House of Representatives includes the northern Cook County communities of Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka and Glencoe.