Indictment Charges Kankakee Manwith Possessing 100 Or More Marijuana Plants, Filing False Tax Returnsand Making False Bank Statement

Urbana, Ill. – A Kankakee, Ill., man, David Aaron Neblock, 37, made his initial court appearance this afternoon following his arrest on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis, Central District of Illinois. A federal grand jury returned the five-count indictment on Sept. 10, that charges Neblock with possession of 100 or more marijuana plants with intent to distribute, filing false income tax returns for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax years, and making false statements to a financial institution. The indictment had remained sealed pending Neblock’s arrest and initial court appearance.

During today’s hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge David G. Bernthal allowed Neblock’s release on electronic monitoring under the condition that Neblock remain detained until a telephone ‘land line’ has been established at Neblock’s residence. Trial in the case is scheduled on Nov. 18, before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough in Springfield.

The indictment alleges that on July 22, 2012, in Kankakee, Neblock possessed 100 or more marijuana plants with the intent to distribute.  The indictment further alleges that Neblock falsely understated his adjusted gross income for tax years 2010, 2011, and 2012, by omitting other income he had earned, including income from the sale of narcotics. Neblock allegedly owes approximately $52,128 in federal taxes. Neblock is also charged with providing material false statements to a bank in 2009 to obtain a loan to purchase property. 

If convicted, the mandatory minimum penalty for possession of 100 or more marijuana plants with the intent to distribute is five years in prison and up to 40 years.  The maximum penalty for filing a false income tax return is up to 3 years in prison; the penalty for making false statements to a financial institution is up to 30 years in prison. 

The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronda H. Coleman.   The charges are the result of investigation by the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Group; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General; and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.