Elmhurst coffee shop owner charged in three-way meth deal with undercover officer

Peter Thomas, 35, of Villa Park, stands accused of selling methamphetamine to a police officer on three separate occasions this fall.

DuPage County State's Attorney's Office officials allege that Thomas, the owner of Pilot Pete's Coffee and Treats, acted as a supplier for the drug in the area. Elmhurst police and the Chicago Police Department identified him as a source before initiating the investigation.

The first alleged transaction occurred on Sept. 1. An undercover officer met Thomas at a business in the 100 block of West First Street in Elmhurst. The officer purchased approximately 4.26 grams of methamphetamine for $40. Prosecutors noted that while Thomas's coffee shop is located on that block, they did not specify if the exchange happened inside his establishment.

Two additional purchases took place at Thomas's residence. On Sept. 30, the officer bought approximately 3.27 grams. On Oct. 28, the officer purchased 7.33 grams. After the final transaction, Thomas drove to his Elmhurst business. Authorities took him into custody as he exited his vehicle.

Officers discovered a bag containing approximately 29.48 grams of methamphetamine in Thomas's pants pocket during the arrest. He faces three counts of delivery of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to deliver, one count of misdemeanor resisting a police officer, and one count of misdemeanor unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.

Thomas appeared in court on Friday morning. The judge denied the prosecution's request to detain him before trial. He was released under conditions that include refraining from possessing or consuming alcohol, cannabis, or controlled substances unless medically prescribed, and he must submit to testing. Pilot Pete's was listed as temporarily closed on Google on Friday.