Plea negotiations stalled for Huntley man accused of running 'extensive' drug operation

WOODSTOCK – Plea negotiations have stalled in the case of a Huntley man facing several serious drug charges in connection with what authorities have called an "extensive" drug operation.

Nicholas A. Domino, 47, appeared in court Friday with his lawyer, Robert Rascia, for a scheduled negotiated plea. Rascia told the court he and prosecutors have tried to discuss a potential resolution to the case, but they have not been able to come to an agreement.

Rascia instead asked for a motion to suppress evidence he believes was illegally seized. He filed the motion in November, and Judge Sharon Prather scheduled the motion for a hearing Oct. 5.

Domino told the court he took issue with the fact that Cirilo Martinez, another individual arrested in connection with this case, received probation after he pleaded guilty Monday to an amended charge of possession of marijuana. He faced up to four years in prison on the charge.

“You let the wrong person go,” Domino said in court before he was escorted back to the jail.

Nicholas Domino and his wife, Rocio Domino, were arrested in May 2015, along with Nicholas' half-brother and two others. The couple faces more than 40 felony charges combined, including some that carry a minimum sentence of six years in prison.

Drug Enforcement Administration officials and local agencies raided their home on Bennington Drive in Huntley as part of a long-term investigation into drug trafficking and found more than 11 pounds of marijuana, 43 Ecstasy pills and other controlled substances, authorities have said.

A simultaneous search warrant of property at 10123 Ashley St., Huntley, turned up an additional 150 pounds of marijuana. That home was empty and once owned by Rocio Domino, according to court records.

A third search of a storage unit in Lake in the Hills, believed to be rented by Nicholas Domino, uncovered more marijuana. In all, authorities seized 295 pounds of marijuana, more than 60 Ecstasy pills, more than 500 prescription painkillers and 25 grams of cocaine.

The street value of the drugs was estimated to be $700,000. Police also seized nine vehicles, one motorcycle and TV sets totaling more than $150,000.

Prosecutors have said the couple was unemployed and collecting $900 a month in public aid.

The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office and McHenry County Sheriff's Office each received more than $30,000 after the Dominos' two Huntley properties were seized and sold. Under state law, when forfeited assets are sold, the money is distributed among state law enforcement agencies.