DeKalb man was awaiting 8-pound pot package in Kane County

A 29-year-old DeKalb man was sentenced to 90 days in jail and fined nearly $9,600 after pleading guilty to trying to receive an 8-pound package of marijuana, according to Kane County court records and authorities.

Nicholas D. Jacquez, of the 400 block of Horizon Lane, was arrested 14 months ago by Kane County Sheriff’s deputies.

Judge Susan Clancy Boles accepted the plea agreement. Jacquez faced anywhere from probation to 15 years in prison for the felony offense. He could be resentenced to prison if he violates his two years of probation, which ends in January 2016.

Kane County Sheriff’s Lt. Pat Gengler said Jacquez was arrested at about 8:15 a.m. Nov. 14, 2012, at his brother’s home near Montgomery.

Gengler said deputies learned Jacquez was awaiting delivery of an 8-pound package from California via FedEx. However, the package was intercepted before delivery and Jacquez confessed to the scheme after investigators went to the home to confront him about it.

“Eight pounds is definitely more than personal use,” Gengler said. “Our guys went up, knocked on the door and started talking to him. He admitted he was waiting on the package.”

Gengler could not immediately provide a street value for the marijuana.

Jacquez’ only previous arrest in Kane County was in October 2005, records show. Illinois State Police charged him with misdemeanor obstruction of justice and he was given court supervision.

Matthew Downs, who was Jacquez’ defense attorney, said his client was originally charged with cannabis trafficking, a felony that carries a sentence of eight to 30 years in prison if convicted with no chance for probation. Jacquez pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.

“He chose to resolve his case this way instead of taking that risk (of prison) at trial,” Downs said.