Joliet woman not guilty in drug case

JOLIET -- After deliberating for several hours Tuesday, a jury found a Joliet woman not guilty in a drug case.

Kecia Bonner, 23, of 121 Hobbs Ave. was arrested in August by Joliet police and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

The incident happened June 28, the day that Bonner returned from a family vacation, said Greg Reeder, her lawyer. When she arrived at her apartment, several police officers were there, Reeder said. There had been a shooting nearby, and the officers asked for permission to search her home, but Bonner didn't agree.

She then went to her room to unpack, Reeder said. While looking out a window, Bonner noticed someone who was outside. Then Bonner was shot in the chest, Reeder said.

She was taken to Silver Cross Hospital for treatment. While there, the police again asked for permission to search the apartment, and this time, Bonner agreed. Officers found a package of crack cocaine under her dresser, and Bonner later was charged with possession of a controlled substance, Reeder said.

The trial began Monday in Will County Judge Carla Alessio Policandriotes' courtroom. During the proceedings, a police officer testified that Bonner neither abused drugs nor sold them, Reeder said.

After closing arguments, the jury returned the not guilty verdict.