Zion man who was no-show for end of trial sentenced to 19 years

A still-missing Zion man who skipped out on the final day of his trial back in March was sentenced to 19 years in prison Thursday.

Brian A. Yarbor, 37, faced up to 30 years in prison stemming from one count of the manufacture and delivery of cocaine. The jury also found him guilty of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

At a hearing Thursday, Lake County Circuit Judge Daniel Shanes sentenced Yarbor to 19 years in prison to be served at 50%, meaning he could be out in 9½ years.

Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart praised the judge's decision.

"Separate from the underlying weapons offense, Mr. Yarbor's decision to evade the courts during the sentencing phase of this case further justifies a lengthy prison sentence," Rinehart said.

The warrant Shanes issued for Yarbor's arrest back in March remains active. If he is found, Yarbor will be placed under arrest and taken to the Illinois Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.

Yarbor was charged in September 2019 after police said he was in possession of 9 grams of crack cocaine and had a loaded handgun in his apartment. After he was charged, he posted $15,000 to be released from jail.

Because Yarbor was out on bond when he disappeared, he cannot be charged with escape, according to the Lake County state's attorney's office.