Fox River Grove man sentenced to probation in drug bust that yields $15K worth of pills, pot

One of two brothers accused of selling drugs out of a Fox River Grove home accepted a plea deal Tuesday and was sentenced to probation.

Caleb M. Cassidy, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of 10 to 30 grams of marijuana, a misdemeanor offense. Additional charges were dismissed, including a felony for which Cassidy could have been ordered to serve as many as five years in prison.

Cassidy also must perform 30 hours of community service. If he successfully completes the probation sentence, the conviction will not affect his record because he is a first-time offender.

Police began their monthlong investigation into Cassidy and his brother, 25-year-old Samuel Cassidy, after several community members called the sheriff’s office concerned about possible criminal activity in the area, according to a news release at the time.

Undercover detectives claimed to have bought drugs from Samuel Cassidy on several occasions, and later got a warrant to search his home in the 400 block of Algonquin Road.

On Feb. 16, 2017, officers seized about 1.7 pounds of marijuana, packaging materials, a scale, eight Xanax pills and $1,895. The drugs were worth an estimated $15,182, detectives said at the time.

Samuel Cassidy was arrested and charged with delivery of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He entered a negotiated plea in February and was sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service on a felony conviction of possession of 500 to 2,000 grams of marijuana.

Caleb Cassidy initially was charged with delivery of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges were dismissed Tuesday morning.

Defense Attorney William Bligh was not available to comment on Caleb Cassidy’s involvement in the alleged drug dealing, or his decision to enter a negotiated plea.