Diller Man Facing Felony Drug Charge Accepts Plea Deal

A Diller man facing a felony drug charge has reached an agreement with the prosecution to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Kaleb R. Wehling, age 24, appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge. Wehling was originally charged with possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine.According to the arrest affidavit, a Jefferson County deputy was dispatched to an address in Fairbury on January 30, 2024, at approximately 4:12 p.m., in response to a phone call to the sheriff's office. A caller “wanted someone removed from his property.” At the scene, the deputy identified Wehling. Dispatch confirmed Wehling had two warrants out of Lancaster County. Wehling was arrested at the scene and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. During a search of items on the defendant's person, the deputy reported, “While searching the contents of a blue case, I observed a teal bag that contained a glass stem pipe with a white substance. I also found a small Ziplock baggie with a white substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. There was also a tiny green container with marijuana in the blue case. A red pipe with marijuana was also found in his jacket.”The defendant was released on a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond. He then failed to appear for court on March 6 as scheduled and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A new bond was set at $5,000 (10 percent). He was later re-arrested. In accordance with a plea agreement, Wehling pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of attempted possession of methamphetamine, which is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He also pleaded non contest to the infraction. County Attorney Joseph Casson also agreed not to file the defendant with an additional charge for failing to appear for court.Judge Bauer ordered a PSI (Pre-Sentencing Investigation) and chemical dependency evaluation.Wehling asked the judge, “Can't I just get a fine?” “No,” said the judge, who explained she could not determine his sentence without first reviewing the PSI and evaluation. Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2024.

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