Fairbury Man Charged with Assault, Resisting Arrest

Derek J. Johnson, age 23, of Fairbury, was arraigned in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. He appeared via webcam from the Jefferson County Jail. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Johnson is charged with assault and resisting arrest, both class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.The defendant was arrested on March 27, 2024. At approximately 4:09 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a residence in Fairbury regarding a disturbance. According to the arrest affidavit, Johnson was “yelling and screaming” as he was being placed under arrest and, as he was being led to a patrol vehicle, “started dragging his feet till he sat down on the ground.”Johnson pleaded not guilty to both charges.Johnson was being held on a $5,000 (10 percent) bond. He is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who requested a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond for his client or, barring that, reducing the bond to $1,000 (10 percent).County Attorney Joseph Casson opposed any reduction.Judge Bauer agreed to lower the bond to $3,500 (10 percent).Another hearing is scheduled for May 15.This is not the first time Johnson has faced an assault charge. On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, he was fined $200 and given no jail time for disturbing the peace in Jefferson County Court. Johnson was originally charged with third degree assault, a class 1 misdemeanor. In accordance with a plea agreement, Johnson pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of disturbing the peace.

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