Fairbury Man Returns to Court for Three Year Old Case
A Fairbury man facing a charge from 2021 and pleading guilty in 2022 finally appeared in court this week.
Jordan Joshua Pingel, age 25, of Fairbury, appeared in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. David J.A Bargen was the presiding judge.
Pingel was originally charged with terroristic threats, a class 3A felony punishable by three years in prison, nine to 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.
According to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, Jefferson County Deputies receive a report of Pingel allegedly sent a threatening message via Facebook Messenger at approximately 4:43 p.m. on November 17, 2021, which read, “Mf shut up inless (sic) you want that heat idc where I see you it’s on sight.”
The deputy that filled out the affidavit wrote, “Pingel then sent a photo of a pistol in a hand, which appeared to be next to or in a vehicle. Pingel then sent a photo of a rifle with a scope, which appeared to be inside of a vehicle. Another photo was sent by Pingel with a photo of a Remington Express shotgun and an AK47 in the passenger side of a vehicle.”
Pingel then allegedly sent additional messages, including one that read, in part, “I’ll see you at the bar or around town so every day before you leave your house tell your loved one’s you love them cause you times short asf as soon as I see you there’s no hesitation.”
Pingel also allegedly sent a video of himself outside of a residence in Fairbury the reporting party is known to visit.
That same day, Pingel was arrested by deputies and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Pingel pleaded No Contest to a reduced charge of assault by menacing threat, a class 1 misdemeanor that carries a possible punishment of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Pingel was scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, August 4, 2022, but failed to appear. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
The defendant was taken into custody by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office on January 27, 2025. According to Pingel’s attorney, Public Defender Scott Gropp, “My client voluntarily turned himself in.”
Pingel asked, through his attorney, if he could be sentenced on that day but Judge Bargen denied the request. The judge ordered an updated PSI (Pre-Sentencing Investigation).
Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2025. The defendant remains in custody as of press time.
