Last Chance For Edward McGinnis

Edward M. McGinnis, 49, of Fairbury, has one last chance to avoid jail. That is according to district court Judge Julie Smith. McGinnis appeared in Jefferson County District Court for sentencing on Thursday, March 3, 2022.The defendant was originally charged with possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony punishable by two years incarceration, nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. McGinnis was arrested on Thursday, August 27, 2020, along with Cynthia Rice, 43, also of Fairbury, while the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Nebraska State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies were conducting a search for another suspect, Ronald M. John Jr. of Fairbury. 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.In accordance with a plea agreement, both charges were reduced to class 1 misdemeanors. McGinnis pleaded No Contest to both counts. A PSI (Pre-Sentencing Investigation) was ordered by the court. According to county attorney Joseph Casson, the defendant did not participate in the PSI and, as such, recommended a straight sentence.The defendant requested probation. His attorney, Gregory Kratz, indicated his client had missed a phone call from the probation office. Kratz also noted that McGinnis has no felony convictions and no prior jail sentences, “I know that he can successfully complete probation.” McGinnis told the court, “I didn't know it was expected of me.” Judge Smith told the defendant, “I typically don't give defendants probation if they don't do the PSI.”Then the judge told McGinnis she would give him “one last chance” and would grant a continuance to give him time to participate in the PSI. She also indicated, if sentencing were instead to proceed that day, McGinnis would likely receive jail time. Kratz then made a motion for a continuance, which was granted. “You'll need to go to the Probation Office right away,” Judge Smith advised. “You'll only get one continuance.” Sentencing is now set for April 28.

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