BLOOMINGTON, IL : Driver issued DUI day before B-N crash on April, Monday 10th 2017

A man charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Monday’s single-vehicle crash that took out two utility poles on Airport Road in Bloomington was arrested Sunday on a DUI charge in Woodford County, has outstanding warrants in five other states and reportedly may be involved in a financial fraud scheme.

Joshua Brewster, 33, of Washington remained in McLean County jail Wednesday in lieu of posting $50,035 on charges of aggravated DUI causing bodily harm, aggravated DUI causing injuries to someone under the age of 18 and endangering the life of a child.

Brewster, wearing a sling on his left arm, appeared Wednesday before McLean County Associate Judge David Butler in McLean County Circuit Court via a video link with the jail.

Assistant State’s Attorney Ashley Scarborough told the judge that around 5 p.m. Monday, Brewster was driving a sport utility vehicle at high speed on Airport Road near College Avenue.

He was traveling over 60 mph in a 45 mph zone, she said.

“He collided with a utility pole that was struck so hard that it caused a second pole to collapse," she said. "There were no skid marks anywhere, and it appears that he did not attempt to brake before the collision.”

Scarborough said Brewster’s wife, Melonie, and their three children, ages, 4, 3 and 2, were passengers in the SUV. The 4-year-old was not restrained and was found by first-responders on the SUV's center console, Scarborough said.

At the scene, police reported that Brewster was exhibiting odd behavior.

“He was more concerned about his cellphone and cash than he was about his family,” she said.

Scarborough also reported that Brewster admitted taking Adderall, a prescription amphetamine, prior to driving.

According to court documents, Brewster was charged on Sunday with driving under the influence of alcohol in Woodford County. In that incident, he posted $300 bond and faces a 9 a.m. arraignment on May 10.

Scarborough also told the court that Brewster has previous sex offense-related charges in the state of Washington and has active warrants for his arrest there and in Idaho, Florida, Arkansas and Texas.

Further, Scarborough said, authorities are investigating a financial fraud scheme in Indiana.

“It’s possible that he is cashing fraudulent paychecks from companies that don’t exist,” Scarborough said.

Because of that claim, Butler ordered a hearing to determine Brewster's source of bail money prior to Brewster’s release from custody to make sure the money is not from illegal sources.

The judge also approved a public defender for Brewster, even though Brewster reported making $6,500 per month as an over-the-road truck driver.

“I’m not sure of the circumstances of your job or how long you are going to be employed because of this,” Butler said.

Brewster attempted to argue briefly during the hearing.

“I have no idea what you are talking about with all of that financial stuff,” he said.

The judge then advised him that anything he said could be used against him in court.

Brewster is scheduled to be arraigned at 10 a.m. April 21 in McLean County Court.

Source :
Driver issued DUI day before B-N crash