Grundy Reporter

On October 24, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals in possession of 3 kilograms of fentanyl. Under the SAFE-T Act, officials had to hold a Pre-Trial Release Hearing within 48 hours.

Both suspects were identified as Honduran nationals. One had an Immigration Detainer Warrant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The local State’s Attorney requested detention for both due to the charges' severity. The court approved one detention based on the warrant and criminal history. The other suspect was released as no criminal history records were available during the hearing's timeframe. Later, California authorities informed that the released suspect had a juvenile record, which could have affected his release decision if known earlier.

State Senator Sue Rezin and Grundy County Sheriff Ken Briley are advocating for reforms to the SAFE-T Act, including changes to the 48-hour hearing requirement. Senator Rezin is considering legislation that would make Class X felony charges related to fentanyl possession detainable under the SAFE-T Act, shifting pre-trial release responsibility to defendants.

“According to the DEA, the amount of fentanyl seized in this arrest is enough to kill 1.5 million people,” stated Senator Rezin. “The pre-trial release of this suspect highlights critical gaps in the SAFE-T Act.”

Sheriff Briley emphasized, “This incident shows the urgent need to give law enforcement and State’s Attorneys time necessary before pre-trial release decisions are made.”

Senator Rezin and Sheriff Briley aim for reforms that enhance community safety by providing law enforcement with adequate authority and time for informed decisions.