QUINCY FIREMAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

A high-ranking Quincy Fire Department officer and former Adams County
Board member was arrested on drug charges Friday.

James Weise, 52, one of three assistant fire chiefs, was arrested and
charged with felony criminal drug conspiracy. He is charged with
possession of more than 15 grams of a controlled substance, cocaine.

If convicted, Weise could face up to 15 years in prison. A 30-year
veteran of the Fire Department, Weise has been an assistant chief for
2 1/2 years.

He spent 10 years representing District 1 on the Adams County
Board.

Weise also is charged with unauthorized production or possession of
more than five but less than 20 cannabis sativa plants, also a felony.
If convicted of that charge, he could face between one and three years
in prison.

"Obviously, the department is concerned about such activity," Fire
Chief

Scott Walker said after learning of the arrest. "We will be conducting
an extensive investigation and withholding all further comment until
all the facts are known."

Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz said Police and Fire Commission Board
President David Ayers was notified of Weise's arrest. Scholz said
Weise has been temporarily placed on paid administrative leave from
the department until Walker and commissioners can meet to take
"whatever definite action is necessary."

Weise was taken to the Adams County Jail and posted 10 percent of a
$20,000 bond Friday afternoon. His first court appearance is May 5.

More arrests are pending, authorities said.

The arrest took place at Fourth and Broadway at 11:30 a.m., police
said.

Members of the West Central Illinois Task Force and Quincy Police
Department participated.

Police allege that Weise conspired with another unnamed individual to
buy one ounce of cocaine, which authorities said has a street value of
$2,800. A small amount of what police said was cannabis was found in
Weise's vehicle, and police said the discovery led to the search of
Weise's residence at 2402 S. Eighth.

Officers then found what they described as 17 cannabis sativa plants
at Weise's residence, police said.

Fire Department officials said Weise had planned to retire from the
department soon, but had not given a retirement date.

Weise resigned from the County Board in November 2002 after being
named assistant chief. He was a finalist for chief when Walker was
named to the post.

Weise was first elected to the County Board after his father, Maurice,
decided not to run for re-election in 1992, and he served as chairman
of the 911 Board.

Weise is one of three assistant chiefs on the department. He reports
to Walker, Deputy Chief Rick Zaerr and Training Chief Joe Henning.
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