Members of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police Metro Narcotic Unit and Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation have conducted a narcotics investigation involving a Rockford resident named Jose DeJesus Pinedo (DOB 8-31-68/41yrs old) AKA BENJAMIN JIMENEZ..

The investigation lead to a vehicle being stopped on N. Alpine Rd. on the evening of March 16,2010 and the subsequent search of a residence on Rockford’s Northwest side, and the search of a storage facility on Rockford’s South side.

As a result of the searches over 300 lbs of marijuana and over $150,000.00 in cash was seized, as well as a handgun and sawed off shotgun.

The investigation was reviewed with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and charges were authorized.

Pinedo has been charged with Manufacture/Possession of over 5000 grams of marijuana, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Possession of a weapon without a valid FOID card.

A conservative street value on the recovered marijuana is $200,000.00

Pinedo is being held in the Winnebago County Jail.