Osterman Suspect Pleads Guilty, Gets Probation

A Deerfield man arrested Jan. 26 for intent to manufacture a controlled substance pleaded guilty April 23 in Lake County Criminal Court in Waukegan and was sentenced to two years probation, according to a court spokesperson.

Steven Hughes, 47, entered his guilty plea after a pretrial five days earlier where he and his lawyer negotiated with the Lake County State’s Attorney, according to the spokesperson.

Though originally charged with Class 3 and Class 4 felonies carrying a potential 15-year prison sentence, according to Deerfield Police reports, he ultimately pleaded guilty to a Class 4 charge, according to the spokesperson.

Hughes’ activities came to the attention of Deerfield Police after he was injured Jan. 2 in an explosion at the home located at 1033 Osterman Avenue, according to the reports.

A police investigation showed Hughes was suspected of trying to manufacture Dimethyltrptamine (DMT), a controlled substance, according to a news release from the .

DMT is a psychedelic hallucinogenic drug which is found in nature but can also be manufactured, according to the website of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

During the investigation surrounding the fire, police found items that could be consistent with the manufacture of “home remedy/herbal” medicinal cures that may have played a role in the fire, according to the release.

When police and members of the  responded to the explosion and fire Jan. 2, they found a victim with burns who was transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. At that time it is not known if that victim was Hughes.