Fairbury Woman Arrested Twice in Once Day

A Fairbury woman appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, on two different drug-related cases.In one case, Cynthia Rice, age 46, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, 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.On Friday, March 1, 2024, shortly after midnight, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 8th and B Streets in Fairbury. According to the arrest affidavit, “I knew the vehicle to be registered to Cynthia Rice who had an active, confirmed warrant out of Jefferson County, Nebraska.”The affidavit indicates Rice was arrested after a search of her vehicle uncovered a pill bottle with two different pills for which Rice allegedly does not have a prescription.Rice had been released on a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond when she was arrested again that same day.At approximately 4:53 p.m., deputies conducted a search warrant at a residence near 8th and A Streets in Fairbury. According to the sheriff's office, “Numerous items on contraband and controlled substances were located within the residence belonging to Rice.”Rice was arrested once again after the search and later released, this time on a $7,500 (10 percent) bond.In this second case, Rice is charged with one counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine.The defendant requested court appointed counsel and attorney Gregory Kratz was assigned to represent her.Because some of the charges are felonies, Rice has the right to a preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for April 24.Rice has a prior criminal record, including drug charges. Rice was arrested on Thursday, August 27, 2020, while the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies were conducting a search for another suspect. The sheriff’s office reported that, during the search, deputies were checking residences of known associates and in doing so developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant. According to the sheriff’s office, during the service of this search warrant a large quantity of illegal drugs and paraphernalia were located and seized.Rice was originally charged with possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony, and possession with intent to distribute, a class 2 felony. In accordance with a plea agreement, Rice pleaded guilty to a reduce charge of attempt of a class 4 felony, which is a class 1 misdemeanor. On May 6, 2021, she was sentenced to 24 months of probation.An arrest warrant was issued for Rice after she failed to appear for court as scheduled on October 4, 2023. She was charged with driving without a license on her person and failure to display the proper number of plates, both class 3 misdemeanors, and driving without proof of insurance, a class 2 misdemeanor. She pleaded guilty and was fined $150.

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