Inmate plays Get Out of Jail Free card

How would you like this deal?

Get arrested in Woodstock on a felony drug charge, have a prior drug record and get a judge to let you walk out of McHenry County Court (and Jail) on a P.R. bond.

This is exactly what happened in court on August 1 in Case No. 11CF000558, involving the Woodstock Police Department, the McHenry County State's Attorney's office and James A. Baartz, 38, of Woodstock.

Baartz was arrested on June 10, 2011, by Woodstock PD Officer Branum and charged with possession of a substance containing heroin. Ofc. Branum's Complaint says "less than 30 grams". An indictment reads "less than 15 grams". Baartz was jailed on a $15,000 bond and became a guest in Hotel Nygren.

Baartz filed an affidavit for a Public Defender, stating that he had no job, no income and no assets. I guess he "forgot" to list the street value of the heroin. What was that worth? A public defender was appointed.

On August 1 Judge Prather decided that Baartz was such a stand-up guy that she'd let him out on a Personal Recognizance Bond. Baartz promises to obey all the conditions of the Bond (such as not to violate any laws) and to be in the debt of the People of the State of Illinois to the tune of $15,000, if he violates his bond. And the Court ordered the Sheriff's Department to chauffeur him to an inmate treatment program on August 3.

I didn't see any Order for treatment - just for the ride there.

So, Judge Prather, where is Baartz going to get the $15,000, if he has no job, income or assets?

In 1991 Baartz (born in 1973) knew about cannabis. In 2003 he knew about cocaine. Now the Court knows he knows about heroin. Who do you suppose is in his circle of friends? Guess...

Why isn't every inmate in McHenry County Jail asking to be released on a P.R. Bond?