Preliminary Hearing Set in Bannockburn Heroin Case

A preliminary hearing was scheduled today in Lake County Criminal Court in Waukegan for one of three men arrested by Bannockburn Police for possession of heroin, retail theft and other charges.

Aaron Travis, 23, of Vernon Hills, made his first court appearance today after he was arrested Nov. 26 by Bannockburn Police after running a stop sign while exiting the Bannockburn Green Shopping Center onto southbound Waukegan Road.

Earlier: Police Arrest Three for Heroin Possession

Steven Messner, the attorney for Travis, asked Judge Christopher Morozin to set a preliminary hearing when he said in court he would be representing Travis, who was officially without a lawyer until today.

“I haven’t had a chance to read the charges or review the reports,” Messner said. He also said the preliminary hearing will determine whether there is probable cause for the Lake County State’s Attorney to continue the case against Travis.

Travis, who remains in Lake County Jail in lieu of posting the $10,000 cash portion of a $100,000 bond, will be back in court for the preliminary hearing at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8.

The two other defendants in the case, . They are also being held in the Lake County Jail unable to post bond. Bergner is considering a guilty plea.

All three are charged with possession of heroin, a Class 4 felony. Rabenda is accused of felony retail theft while Travis was arrested for misdemeanor theft.