(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Kenosha, Wis. – A 42-year-old Kenosha man is being held on a $10,000 cash bail and faces serious drug-related charges after his arrest on Monday. Authorities took Lionel D. Jones into custody following a narcotics investigation, with evidence linking him to drug trafficking near a school zone. If convicted, Jones faces a potential prison sentence of over 60 years.
Arrest and Charges
On March 10, 2025, at approximately 12:34 p.m., Officer Carlos Gerena observed Jones in the uptown area and acted on probable cause related to an ongoing drug investigation. Officers approached and arrested Jones without incident.
Jones was formally charged with the following offenses:
- Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place near a School
- Three counts of Manufacturing/Delivering Cocaine (≤1 gram) near a School
- One count of Manufacturing/Delivering Cocaine (1–5 grams) near a School
He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next Wednesday.
Surveillance and Investigation
According to the criminal complaint, the investigation into Jones’ activities began in November 2024. Kenosha Police Detective Joshua Zeller set up surveillance in the 5900 block of 21st Avenue, following intelligence from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) regarding a suspected cocaine supplier operating in the area.
Over the course of several days, detectives observed multiple hand-to-hand drug exchanges near 5804 21st Avenue. On November 5, officers apprehended an individual named Curtis Thomas, who was found in possession of crack cocaine. Thomas admitted to purchasing the drugs from “Nel,” later identified as Jones, and provided officers with a phone number linked to him.
Controlled Purchases Confirm Drug Trafficking
Detective Zeller and Officer Curi conducted four controlled drug purchases using a confidential source (CS). Each transaction was surveilled, recorded, and later analyzed:
- November 14, 2024: The CS purchased three baggies of crack cocaine (0.80 grams) from Jones inside the 5804 21st Avenue residence.
- November 18, 2024: Another controlled purchase confirmed Jones’ role in distributing cocaine, with the CS obtaining 0.80 grams of crack cocaine for $60.
- November 25, 2024: The CS made a third purchase, receiving three baggies of crack cocaine (0.60 grams) in exchange for cash.
- November 26, 2024: The final controlled buy resulted in the CS obtaining 10 baggies of crack cocaine (2.3 grams) after following Jones upstairs at his residence.
Each of these transactions occurred within 1,000 feet of Frank Elementary School, heightening the severity of the charges.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Jones’ case highlights the city’s ongoing battle against narcotics distribution, especially in proximity to schools. Prosecutors are expected to push for a strong sentence given the evidence compiled by law enforcement. His next court appearance is scheduled for next week.
Authorities continue to encourage the community to report suspected drug activity as they work to keep Kenosha’s neighborhoods safe.
12 Responses
In the uptown neighborhood? No way!
Don’t worry. Those new apartments are going to transform that area.
Every time I go past that area, I see drugs being sold or prostitution. I cannot believe they put a children’s library right there!
42?!?
Clean living!
H2G2.
Them people will never ever learn
Hopefully the economy can take the hit in the loss of productivity from Mr. Jones.
BLDM
I’m working trying to keep up with the Jones’s. LOL
Kenosha has turned upside down over the years
Spent a lot of time and money on 1 g of cocaine?
Free my brother