Search Warrant Leads to Three Arrests on Drug and Child Abuse Charges
A search warrant issued earlier this year resulted in three arrests on charges of drug possession and child abuse. All three suspects have appeared in court.
On April 5, 2024, deputies with the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a house in Fairbury. Deputies located two adults, Joshua V. Poley, age 29, and Jeorgia M. Kleinbohl, age 34, as well three juveniles in the residence.
According to the arrest affidavit, “On the kitchen table, readily accessible to all occupants of the house, was a tray with marijuana, which was uncovered and in plain view. Next to the tray was a clear zip-lock baggie with approximately 4 (four) grams of marijuana. Underneath the tray was a black case, which, upon opening, revealed several items of drug paraphernalia, such as glass pipes, a bag of syringes, a small burnt bag containing a crystal substance, and pills. One of the glass pipes had a presumptive positive for methamphetamine, and another was used for marijuana. An orange glass pipe used for smoking marijuana was discovered on the table, in plain view and within reach of the children. Inside the window seal, behind the kitchen table, were several unused clear baggies and a suspected methamphetamine pipe, which was also within reach of the children, in plain view. On the kitchen floor was also a broken glass pipe believed to be used to smoke methamphetamine.”
The affidavit also noted, “The bathroom medicine cabinet contained approximately ten used syringes and a shot glass containing a metal cap with a white crystal substance. The substance had a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.”
The affidavit indicates that, during an interview, Kleinbohl informed law enforcement that Nicholas K. Roehl, age 45, had been in the house the day the search warrant was executed but had left before the arrival of law enforcement. A warrant was issued for Roehl’s arrest.
Nicholas Roehl of Fairbury, was arraigned in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.
Roehl is charged with child abuse, a class 3A felony punishable by three years in prison, 12 to 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine; possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony, punishable by two years in prison, nine ti 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine; possession of less than one ounces of marijuana, an infraction that carries a $100 fine; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $300 fine.
The defendant asked for court-appointed counsel and attorney Gregory Kratz was assigned to present him. Another hearing is scheduled for July 3, 2024.
Roehl is free on a $15,000 (10 percent) bond.
Jeorgia Kleinbohl of Fairbury also appeared in court that day. She had previously been arraigned on Wednesday, May 29, 2023.
Kleinbohl is charged with child abuse, a class 3A felony; possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony; possession of less than one ounces of marijuana, an infraction; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction.
The defendant has faced similar charges before. Last year, Kleinbohl was originally charged with possession of methamphetamine, child abuse, driving without proof of insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of less than one ounces of marijuana and failure to use a child passenger restraint. She accepted a plea deal that reduced her felony charges to misdemeanors and, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, was sentenced to one year of probation.
Kleinbohl is represented by attorney Benjamin Murray, who told the court there was a possible plea agreement in the works and asked for a continuance, which the judge granted.
Kleinbohl is free on a $35,000 (10 percent) bond.
Joshua V. Poley of Western, is charged with charged with possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony; possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, an infraction; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Poley pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted possession of methamphetamine, a class 1 misdemeanor. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2024.
