Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

Dominick J. Blea, age 23, was arraigned in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. He appeared via webcam from the Jefferson County Jail. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Blea is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and alprazolam) each a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. He is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine.Blea was arrested on March 28, 2024, during the course of a traffic stop in Fairbury. Blea was a passenger in the vehicle.According to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, Blea had been ordered by a deputy to remain in the car while the deputy conferred with the driver. The deputy reported that, “I then observed Blea reach into the truck, retrieve the bag on the passenger seat, and begin walking.”The deputy ordered Blea back to the car.The bag Blea was carrying was searched. According to the affidavit, “Near the bottom of the bag, I located a clear hard plastic case containing two clear baggies with a crystal substance and two straws. I conducted a field test on one of the baggies, which had a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.”Bond was originally set at $15,000 (10 percent). It was later reduced to $7,500 (10 percent).Blea is represented by attorney Gregory Kratz, who told the judge his client was unable to pay that amount and asked for the bond to be lowered to $5,000 (10 percent).County Attorney Joseph Casson had no objection and the judge granted the request.Another hearing is scheduled for May 8, 2024.

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