Drugs Cases Keep Jefferson County Court Busy

A number of suspects with drug charges appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, June 6, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge. Nathan D. Imes, age 40, of Fairbury, appeared in court via webcam, in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. He was arraigned on charges of 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.Judge Bauer read the charges against the defendant and the possible penalties and then asked if he understood. “No, not really,” said Imes. “I didn't have anything on me but the meth pipe.” Imes' attorney, Gregory Kratz, advised his client not to speak. According to Kratz, his client had been incarcerated since May 21 and was unable to afford the $5,000 (10 percent) bond. He asked for a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond. County Attorney Joseph Casson said, “There could be some reduction but I would oppose a personal recognizance bond.” Judge Bauer denied a PR bond but reduced the bond amount to $3,500 (10 percent).Heather V. Jones, age 43, of Fairbury, was also arraigned on charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.On May 21, 2024, at approximately 6:33 a.m., deputies with the sheriff's office executed a search warrant at a Fairbury residence.According to the Arrest Affidavit, “Heather Jones and Nathan Imes were located within the residence. Imes was handcuffed in front of his person, informed he was being detained, and then placed into the back of my patrol vehicle. Jones was handcuffed in front of her person and allowed to sit on the back steps.” The affidavit indicates that a search inside the residence uncovered several clear plastic baggies and a working blue digital scale, along with, “A white crystalline substance was observed on the scale lid, which had a presumptive positive for the presence of methamphetamine. A glass bong located on the table in plain view also tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.” Both Jones and Imes were arrested at the scene. Jones is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 17.Jones is currently free on a $5,000 (10 percent) bond. Jeffery S. Stotler, age 22, of Fairbury, was arraigned on charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. On April 26, 2024, at approximately 6:55 a.m., the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Fairbury. Multiple individuals were found within the residence. According to the arrest affidavit, located in a bedroom where Stotler resides, was, “a mirror with a white crystalline substance and a glass pipe with a burnt bulb containing a white substance were discovered in plain view.” The affidavit indicates the white crystalline substance tested positive for methamphetamine.Stotler requested court-appointed counsel and attorney Lee Timan was assigned to represent him.Another hearing is scheduled for July 3. The defendant remains free on a $5,000 (10 percent) bond.Arlene J. Stewart, age 55, of Fairbury, is charged with possession of methamphetamine. She was previously arraigned on May 15 of this year. Stewart was in court to schedule a preliminary hearing. Because the charge is a felony, the defendant is entitled to a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probably cause that a felony was committed. The defendant was issued a citation but not arrested. As a result, there is no affidavit on file and limited information in the court file. However, in court it was revealed there are other co-defendants.The preliminary hearing will take place June 17. Jessica L. Evans, age 49, of Fairbury, is charged with attempted possession of methamphetamine, a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and possession of marijuana, between one ounce and one pound, a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months on jail and a $500 fine. Evans was arrested after the execution of a search warrant on Monday, December 6, 2023. According to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, “A lengthy investigation into the residence and the occupants of the residence led to the Search Warrant and the arrest of both occupants of the residence.” In addition to Evans, Cameron May, age 54, of Fairbury was also arrested. Evans is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who informed the court his client was in the process of retaining a new attorney. When Judge Bauer asked the name of the new attorney, Evans said, “I'd rather not say.”The judge told Evans she had to provide the name of her new attorney and Evans said it was Dustin Garrison. Evans then requested another continuance. “This case has been dragging on for some time,” said Judge Bauer. “You've had a lot of continuances.”The judge agreed to continue the case until June 17. When and if Garrison puts in an appearance on the record, Gropp would then be allowed to withdraw.

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