Streator man set for trial April 28 on gun, drug charges

One of the suspects in the COVID-19 relief scams still awaits a trial setting. James Forbes might have to first settle his lingering gun and drug charges from 2022.

Forbes, 30, of Streator appeared Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court on two separate matters.

First, he asked for trial dates on felony charges stemming from a drug raid July 20, 2022, at his Streator residence. Drug agents executed a search warrant and seized purported crack cocaine, fentanyl-laced heroin, a pistol and about $3,000 in cash.

Forbes actually already stood trial on those charges, but the proceedings were halted when Chicago defense attorney Charles Snowden successfully argued a violation of Forbes’ right to a speedy trial. An appeals court reversed the dismissal, and Forbes now awaits a do-over trial April 28. He faces up to 15 years.

Then, Snowden entered his appearance on Forbes’ newest legal problems: charges stemming from a statewide investigation into fraudulent COVID-19 relief claims worth almost $11,000. He also could face up to 15 years on those charges.

Trial dates for those charges remain pending. Snowden asked for a change of judge, and the case was sent over for a Feb. 21 hearing before Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr., who will decide whether to hear the case or pass it to another judge.

Forbes is out of custody on both matters. His gun and drug charges were dismissed in early 2023, and he was not remanded into custody even after the appeals court reinstated the felonies. Prosecutors also have not filed a motion to detain him on the COVID-19 charges.