Lee County, IL – A routine traffic assist in rural Lee County Friday night escalated into a multi-agency criminal investigation after deputies allegedly observed narcotics use and uncovered weapons and explosive-related evidence.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Friday evening when a deputy stopped to assist a disabled black 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe bearing Georgia license plates near U.S. Route 30 and Inlet Road in Amboy, located in rural Lee County in northern Illinois.
While speaking with the occupants, the deputy allegedly observed them ingesting narcotics in plain view, prompting a deeper investigation. Authorities say the subsequent search led to multiple arrests and serious felony charges.
Ruben Perez, 48, of Dothan, Alabama, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (Class X felony), unlawful possession of an explosive device (Class 1 felony), unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon (Class 3 felony), unlawful possession of a weapon (Class A misdemeanor), unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor), and was also found to have a nationwide warrant from Alabama for larceny.
Dennis L. Weaver, 52, of Cairo, Georgia, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony), unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 4 felony), and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor).
Michael T. Whigham, 56, also of Cairo, Georgia, was charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Perez is currently being held in the Lee County Jail pending his first court appearance. Weaver and Whigham were released with notices to appear in court at a later date.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad during the incident.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 284-6631 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CAUGHT-U. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
