Fairbury Man Charged with Possessing Drugs, Driving without a License

Jeffery S. Wares, age 55, of Fairbury, appeared in Jefferson County Court via webcam from the Jefferson County Jail. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Wares was arraigned on charges of possession of a controlled substance and driving under a revoked license, both class 4 felonies punishable by up to two years in prison, nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.The defendant's license was revoked as the result of a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) and refusal, making the charge a felony. On April 25 of 2018, he was sentenced to 24 months' probation for a third offense DUI. The defendant's probation was later revoked and he was sentenced to 365 days in jail, with credit for 23 days time served. Wares' driver's license was revoked for 15 years.According to the arrest affidavit, on March 22, 2024, an on-duty deputy with the sheriff's office spotted Wares driving in Fairbury. A records check confirmed that Wares' driving privileges had been revoked.The deputy conducted a traffic stop. The deputy wrote in the affidavit, “I then asked Wares if he would consent to search of the vehicle, he said, 'Go for it.'”The deputy reported, “I discovered a small torn zip lock baggie with a white crystal substance, which had a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.”The defendant is represented by Pubic Attorney Scott Gropp, who told the court, “My client's been unable to make bond.”Bond had been set at $5,000 (10 percent). Gropp made a motion to lower the bond to $2,500.County Attorney Joseph Casson objected, “Based on the nature and circumstances of the alleged offense.”Judge Bauer denied the motion, “It's already at a misdemeanor level.”A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29.

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