Boot camp for Geneva man caught with meth chemicals, equipment
A Geneva man arrested after an altercation in the St. Charles Meijer parking lot prompted a search that authorities said resulted in finding chemicals used to make methamphetamine recently pleaded guilty in exchange for a recommendation for boot camp instead of prison.
Robert J. Brouillette, 24, of the 600 block of Illinois Street, faced several felony charges stemming from a December 2018 incident at Meijer. It began when, according to police, Brouillette cut off another driver in the drive-through.
The most severe charge was armed violence, which is committing a felony while armed with deadly weapon, and if convicted it carries a prison sentence of up 30 years with no chance of probation, according to Kane County court records.
Authorities said the driver whom Brouillette cut off followed Brouillette through the parking lot. Brouillette got out, approached the other car and pointed a gun at the driver.
The two men fought, and officers responding to the scene found the driver pinning Brouillette to the pavement. Police disarmed Brouillette, who had a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card but no concealed carry license, police said.
Officers found various drug items in his car, along with another magazine for the gun and six knives. That prompted a search of his Geneva home that turned up chemicals and equipment "with the intent of manufacturing methamphetamine," according to police and court records.
Brouillette pleaded guilty last week to felony attempted armed violence and possession of a controlled substance in exchange for prosecutors dismissing other charges, including the armed violence charge, court records show. Attempted armed violence is a felony that carries a sentence of three to seven years in prison.
Judge David Kliment accepted the plea, which also requires Brouillette to pay $549 in fines and fees, records show.
Prison officials will determine whether Brouillette is admitted to boot camp, also known as the Impact Incarceration Program.
If Brouillette is rejected for boot camp, he can have his four-year prison term cut in half under state law. He also gets credit for 24 days served at the Kane County jail before posting bond in mid-January 2019.