Drug Suspect Accepts Plea Deal

One of two suspects arrested after the execution of a narcotics warrant has accepted a plea agreement.Tyler Fruge, age 29, of Fairbury, appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Fruge was originally charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a class 3 felony punishable by up to four years in prison, nine months to two years of post-release supervision and a $25,000 fine; 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; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine.In accordance with the plea agreement, Fruge pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted of a class 4 felony, which is a class 1 misdemeanor that carried up to one year in jail and a $1,00 fine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The weapon charge was dismissed.On Thursday, February 22 of this year, at approximately 6:03 p.m., deputies with the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a residence on the 800 of 9th Street in Fairbury. According to the sheriff's office, an investigation into the residence and the occupants led to the search warrant and the arrest of two occupants, Fruge and another suspect, Spencer M. Fentress, age 62, also of Fairbury.Fruge requested probation. Judge Bauer ordered the defendant contact the probation office to obtain a PSI (Pre-Sentencing Investigation) and a substance abuse evaluation.Fruge was being held on a $7,500 (10 percent) bond. He is represented by attorney Greg Kratz, who said his client was unable to pay and, given the reduction in charges, requested a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond.County Attorney Joseph Casson did not oppose a PR bond.Judge Bauer agreed to release Fruge on a PR bond.“If you fail to meet with them, you are not a candidate for probation,” Judge Bauer warned Fruge. “Don't make me sorry that I PR'd you out.”Sentencing is scheduled for May 15.

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