Eugene Bonsal In Jail Again

Eugene J. Bonsal Jr., 27, of Fairbury appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, December 15, via webcam from the Seward County Jail. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.There were no charges on file as of yet but Bonsal is accused of assault and terroristic threats, a felony that carries a possible penalty of up to three years in prison, nine to 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.Bonsal also has a pending case in Jefferson County District Court. He is charged with enticement by electronic communication device, a class 4 felony punishable by two years in prison, followed by nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. He is accused of using an electronic device to contact someone under the age of 16 years.Because of the age of the victim, the Arrest Affidavit has been sealed by order of the Court.Bonsal requested court-appointed counsel. He is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp in the District Court case. However, Gropp cannot defend Bonsal against these new charges due to a conflict of interest. Judge Bauer therefore assigned attorney Benjamin Murray to defend him.The defendant is currently being held on a $50,000 (10 percent) bond in the county court case. Bonsal said he was unable to pay and requested a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond. Bonsal told the judge, “I'm trying to do good.”County Attorney Joseph Casson objected to a PR bond, “I would oppose any reduction in the bond. Mr. Bonsal is violent. His other pending cases have a bond condition that he not violate the law. I'll be moving to revoke that bond in his other case. He needs to stay in custody.”Bonsal is currently free on a $5,000 (10 percent) bond in the District Court case with an additional stipulation that Bonsal have no contact with any minors.“I promise you. I promise you. I'm trying to do good,” Bonsal said. “I promise you, Mr. Casson, I am not violent and I meant no harm to anybody.”Judge Bauer said, “I am willing to reduce your bond somewhat, in spite of the state's opposition, but I don't think a PR bond is appropriate, frankly, based on the fact that you have a pending felony case.”“This was a pretty extreme matter and there also was an alleged injury that occurred,” said the judge.Bauer set a new bond at $35,000 (10 percent).

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