Two Canadians facing drug-trafficking charges, including a man from the Innisfil area, in what is being called “the largest cocaine bust" in the state of Illinois this year, appeared in court Oct. 19 for preliminary hearings in Bond County.
Payden Davidge, 33, of Thornton, and Rebecca Kiczma, 37, of Burlington, are both charged with drug trafficking.
Court records show Davidge appeared in open court, while Kiczma appeared via remote video conference from the county jail.
Both pleaded not guilty during their respective hearings — Davidge last Thursday, and Kiczma previously on Sept. 21.
Court documents obtained by InnisfilToday and BradfordToday state, “the court find(s) probable cause exists to support the charge” in their case.
Davidge and Kiczma are represented by the same attorneys.
Formal arraignment was also waived by both defendants, documents show.
Illinois State Police say officers seized 125 kilograms of cocaine that was allegedly discovered in a vehicle after a routine traffic stop east of St. Louis on Aug 30.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Davidge has a bond of $7 million, while Kiczma's bond has been set at $5 million.
A motion to reduce the bonds was argued by their lawyer during the same Oct. 19 hearings, but was denied by the judge.
If convicted of a Class X felony in the United States, it would mean no less than 30 years or more than 120 years imprisonment, and no eligibility for probation. The maximum fine would be $1 million (US).
The amount of cocaine seized has an estimated street value of nearly $4.3 million (Cdn.).
A final pre-trial court date has been set for Jan. 3, 2024 for Davidge, while Kiczma will be facing a jury trial, which is set to begin Nov. 13 of this year.
