Eugene Bonsal Reaches Plea Agreement

Eugene J. Bonsal Jr., 27, of Fairbury, has reached a plea agreement with the state. He appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Originally, Bonsal was charged in Jefferson County District Court with enticement by electronic communication device of a child under the age of 16 years, 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 was 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.Prior to the plea agreement, the defendant had requested a jury trial, which was set for May 2 and 3, 2022.In a separate case, Bonsal was accused of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, 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, and third-degree assault, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.According to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, Jefferson County deputies were dispatched to a residence in Fairbury to respond to a report of a “verbal disturbance.”The alleged victim accused Bonsal of throwing a ‘sugar container’ at her and also of pushing her against a wall. The deputy that filled out the affidavit noted the alleged victim, ‘had two cuts/scrapes on her left forearm that appeared to be fresh and had blood visible on them from being thrown up against the wall.’The victim also alleged that Bonsal threatened to, ‘burn the house down.’Bonsal was originally represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp in the enticement case. However, Gropp could not defend Bonsal against the other charges due to a conflict of interest. Judge Bauer therefore assigned attorney Benjamin Murray to defend him.In accordance with the plea deal, the felony charges of terroristic threats and enticement were dismissed. The remaining charge of assault was then re-filed in county court.Bonsal pleaded No Contest.Judge Bauer ordered a PSI (Pre-Sentencing Investigation) and a substance abuse evaluation. Sentencing is scheduled for September 28.The judge advised Bonsal he was free on a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond until sentencing. Bonsal responded, “Hey, It’s my first PR bond.”Prior Criminal RecordBonsal has had other run-ins with the law in Jefferson County. He was previously charged with possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. He was also charged with obstructing a Peace Officer, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.Bonsal was arrested on October 30, 2020, by Jefferson County Deputies at approximately 8:22 p.m. on an active Jefferson County warrant. According to the Arrest Affidavit, despite being ordered not to, Bonsal removed an item from him pocket and handed it to another individual. A Deputy took possession of the item, described as, ‘a white container which looks similar to those which often contain THC 'wax', based on my training and experience.’THC is tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. The contents of the container later field tested positive for marijuana.In accordance with a plea agreement, Bonsal pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted possession of a controlled substance, a class one misdemeanor. This allowed the case to remain in county court. The charge of obstruction was dismissed. Bonsal was sentenced in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, November 18, to 30 days in jail, with credit for one day time served.

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