Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest and Search Warrant

A narcotics search warrant was executed last week in Fairbury, resulting in an arrest.On Friday, March 1, 2024, at approximately 4:53 p.m. deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at a residence near 8th and A Streets in Fairbury.Earlier that day, a deputy had conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 8th and B Streets in Fairbury. During the investigation on the traffic stop, Cynthia Rice, age 46, of Fairbury was arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. She was booked for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful acts relating to drugs. During execution of the search warrant, deputies could be seen leaving the residence with mutliple items, including two large, brown paper bags. According to the sheriff's office, “Numerous items on contraband and controlled substances were located within the residence belonging to Rice.” As a result, Rice faces additional possible charges, including possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.This case remains under investigation at this time. 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 reduced 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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