An 18-year-old Aurora man has been sentenced to 6 years in prison following a narcotics and firearms investigation in the 1200 block of Gates Street in Aurora that resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and multiple weapons, including a fully automatic firearm.
In early 2025, Aurora Police investigators developed information indicating that Eric Rosales, who investigators identified as having gang ties, was involved in the sale of illegal narcotics within the City of Aurora and was believed to be in possession of firearms.
In April 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of Gates Street with assistance from the Aurora Police Department Community Oriented Policing Unit, K-9 Unit, and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, officers safely recovered 13 firearms, including AR-15 style rifles, a sawed-off rifle, shotguns, and handguns, along with a 100-round drum magazine. Investigators also seized nearly 90 grams of cocaine, cannabis, and THC cartridges. One of the recovered handguns was equipped with a device allowing it to fire fully automatic, and another firearm had previously been reported stolen.
As a result of the investigation, Rosales was charged with multiple felony offenses, including Class X felony delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a machine gun. He later entered into a negotiated plea, pleading guilty to one Class X narcotics offense and one felony weapons offense. The remaining charges were resolved as part of the plea agreement.
On November 14, 2025, Rosales was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for time served. Court records indicate he had no prior criminal convictions.
“This case underscores the Aurora Police Department’s continued commitment to disrupting illegal drug activity and removing dangerous weapons from our community,” said Chief Matt Thomas. “The officers and investigators involved demonstrated outstanding teamwork and attention to detail, and their efforts directly contributed to making our community safer.”
