AMBOY, Ill. (WIFR) — Three out-of-state men are facing criminal charges in Lee County after deputies discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia, and weapons inside a disabled vehicle, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the incident occurred on the evening of Friday, Jan. 16, when a sheriff’s deputy stopped to assist a broken-down car with Georgia license plates near Route 30 and Inlet Road in rural Amboy. While speaking with the occupants, the deputy reportedly observed items commonly used to ingest narcotics in plain view, prompting further investigation.
The driver, Ruben Perez, 48, of Dothan, Alabama, was charged with multiple offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and ammunition by a felon, possession of an explosive device, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Authorities also confirmed Perez had a nationwide warrant out of Alabama for larceny.
Two passengers, Dennis L. Weaver, 52, and Michael T. Whigman, 56, both of Cairo, Georgia, were also arrested. Weaver faces charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and drug paraphernalia, while Whigman was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Due to the discovery of a suspected explosive device, deputies requested assistance from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.
Perez remains held at the Lee County Jail pending his initial court appearance. Weaver and Whigman were released with notices to appear in court at a later date.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
