GPS leads sheriff’s deputies to cars, weapons, and drugs in St. Charles Township

A vehicle’s GPS device led Kane County Sheriff’s deputies to a St. Charles Township property where police allege a convicted felon had several stolen luxury vehicles, illegal weapons, burglary tools and illicit narcotics, according to a Kane County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Eric C. Karkowski, of St. Charles Township, was charged with 11 counts relating to the stolen vehicles, 12 counts related to firearm and ammunition possession as a convicted felon, two counts for possession of controlled substances and one felony count of possession of burglary tools, according to the release.

According to the release, on Dec. 28, 2024, Kane County Sheriff’s deputies tracked a black Mercedes Benz G550’s GPS’ location and found it parked in a driveway in the 43W000 block of Badger Court in the St. Charles Township.

The sheriff’s office was assisting the Southlake Police Department of Texas with finding the vehicle, according to the release.

Deputies also found a Range Rover, a Tesla, an Audi, and a BMW at the property, all stolen, according to the release. Karkowski told officers at the scene that he was the legal owner of all the vehicles on the property. However, according to the release, he did not show proper documentation when asked for proof of ownership.

An investigation revealed the VIN information of each vehicle did not match what was located inside the vehicles, according to the sheriff’s office, and all vehicles were towed to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office until a further search warrant could be obtained.

After getting a search warrant, authorities searched the residence on Jan. 3, 2025, and found three long rifles, a pistol, a VIN press, VIN stickers, VIN rivets, and a laser engraver, according to the release. While searching, authorities also found a cell phone jammer, computers, three cell phones, fictitious vehicle paperwork and financial documents, according to the release.

When Karkowski arrived at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office to speak with detectives, another search warrant permitted authorities to search his vehicle. The search turned up 12.49 grams of cocaine, 0.99 grams of heroin, a stolen BMW key, a Lexus key, burglary tools and an electronic license plate cover, according to the release.

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Karkowski after being contacted by the sheriff’s office, according to the release.

Karkowski is being held in the Kane County jail while his case proceeds. Karkowski’s next court date is Feb. 21, 2025, at the Kane County Judicial Center.

Further investigation is currently pending with the Illinois Secretary of State. Further charges against Karkowski are also pending, according to the release.