Suspect In Drug Bust Seeks Competency Evaluation

Jefferson County District Court judge Vicky Johnson ordered a competency evaluation of a suspect arrested in a drug bust earlier this year. Dustin Powers, age 40, of Fairbury, was scheduled to be arraigned in District Court on Wednesday, September 2 at 9:30 a.m but did not appear at that time. The defendant had the option to appear in person or submit a written waiver of appearance. His attorney, Public Defender Scott Gropp, told the judge his client may have misunderstood the instructions and requested time to contact him. The judge agreed to a recess. The defendant arrived at 10:00 a.m. After speaking with his client in the hallway, Gropp returned to the courtroom and made a motion for an evaluation. “After conferring with my client,” Gropp told the judge. “He doesn't understand anything I'm telling him.” The defendant said, “I just don't understand. I don't” Gropp said the evaluation was necessary to confirm Powers would be able to assist in his own defense. Gropp will file a written motion for the evaluation. Powers is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of high-concentrate THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol - principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis), both class 4 felonies, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Powers is one of three suspects arrested in a drug bust on Friday, May 7, when Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office conducted a search warrant on a residence in the 1000 block of Ash Street and three individuals were taken into custody. The other two suspects are John Seefus, age 49, and Coleen L. Sanderson, age 44. According to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, upon a search of the residence, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and items consistent with the distribution of narcotics were located. Powers has had prior run-ins with the law. He previously pleaded Guilty to possession of a controlled substance in 2012 and was sentenced to not less than two years nor more than four years in the Nebraska Department of Corrections. He was given credit for 188 days time served. Powers remains free on a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond at this time.

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