Plea Agreement Reached for Man Who Allegedly Locked Himself in an Attic

A Fairbury man who allegedly barricaded himself in an attic and had to be extracted by law enforcement has reached a plea agreement with the state.Jonathan Torell appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge. The defendant was originally charged with threatening another person in a menacing manner and obstructing a peace officer, both class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 for each count.On January 11, 2025, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a residence in Fairbury, where Jonathan K. Torell, age 38, was alleged to have kicked in a bedroom door and, according to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, “threatened to kill” a resident. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly discovered that Torell had locked himself in the attic. The deputy that filled out the affidavit wrote, “I entered the home to speak with Jonathan and found the door to the attic where he was staying was locked from the inside. I did observe a small padlock and hasp on the exterior portion of the door as well. The attic door opened out and would not open when pulled. 93310 and I pounded on the door several times and called out to the effect of 'sheriffs office, come and speak with us' several times. Jonathan responded by turning the music playing in the attic up louder. I looked at the windows to the attic space from outside and they were covered with what appeared to be black trash bags. The hinge pins were removed and the door still would not open. A Halligan bar was employed to try and pry the door open but the wood surrounding it was old and soft. We were advised that Jonathan had several knives and a pellet rifle in the attic with him.” More deputies arrived at the scene. Per the affidavit, “The door was then pried open and announcements made again.”The affidavit indicates that Torell still did not come out until the arrival of a K9 unit, “At this point Jonathan came down from the attic and complied with commands.”Torell was then arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. In accordance with the plea agreement, Torell pleaded guilty to obstruction. The remaining charge was dismissed.

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