Bond tripled in obstructing justice case

A Kane County judge tripled bond Wednesday for a man accused of obstructing justice in an Elburn teen's suspected overdose death.

Jordan D. Billek, 19, of Maple Park, waived his right to a formal hearing and stipulated to allegations he twice tested positive for alcohol last month in violation of his bond conditions while awaiting trial.

Billek is one of three people accused of leaving 17-year-old Michael York's body in a Chicago alley after a night of heroin drug use in St. Charles in late 2007.

On Wednesday, prosecutors asked Judge Allen M. Anderson to raise Billek's bond in response to the alcohol findings, noting the defendant's recent, unrelated arrest on drug charges in Aurora.

"This is the second time the defendant has stood before you on a violation of bond," Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Orland said. "Certainly, there's a substance abuse issue we're facing with this defendant. I think he has shown the court he is unable to comply with your orders."

Defense attorney Jeffrey Fawell told the judge that Billek continues to make progress in recovery from heroin addition and is still receiving medical treatment and drug-abuse counseling. He added that his client is taking a new medication purported to block the effects of alcohol and heroin.

"He cannot get any type of pleasure from using these drugs," Fawell said. "I don't think this will happen again. The medication is doing its job."

Anderson, who ordered more stringent drug testing and additional bond conditions after Billek's March arrest, ended up raising Billek's bond from $20,000 to $60,000. Since Billek has already posted $2,000, he now would have to post $4,000 to be released on a 10-percent bond.

"The court has to be concerned the orders of the court are being complied with," Anderson said. "I don't want Mr. Billek to drift away from the progress of getting this case to a conclusion."

Billek, who is due back in court July 23, has pleaded not guilty. He faces one to three years in prison or probation if convicted of obstructing justice.