Ex-Batavia alderman sentenced on drug charge

Former Batavia alderman Dan Chanzit was sentenced Thursday to probation for felony possession of methamphetamine.

Chanzit and prosecutors agreed he will serve 18 months on probation.

He had pleaded guilty in February.

Chanzit, 50, was ordered to undergo drug and alcohol counseling, which he has already completed, and be evaluated by the Kane County Diagnostic Center and follow any treatment recommendations.

He was charged in October 2024 with possession of methamphetamine — less than 5 grams; possession of Ecstasy — less than 15 grams; and possession of psilocybin — less than 15 grams, according to Kane County court records.

Chanzit said at the time the drugs did not belong to him, but to two employees living at his home.

He was an alderman for 14 years, but quit in July 2024 to focus on a business he had started. The business conducted estate sales, as well as salvaging and refurbishing a variety of items.

He formerly worked in banking, and before that was a newspaper reporter.