Former Batavia city councilman faces drug charges

Dan Chanzit

A former Batavia city councilman has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and several other drugs.

Dan Chanzit, 48, of the 500 block of Peebles Court, was taken into custody Wednesday. He is charged with three felonies: possession of methamphetamine – less than 5 grams; possession of ecstasy – less than 15 grams; and possession of psilocybin – less than 15 grams, according to Kane County court records.

Chanzit said Saturday the drugs did not belong to him but to two employees who lived in his home.

Batavia officials raise the rainbow flag, learn about LGBTQ+ needs and events

He is free pending trial.

The case was investigated by the North Central Narcotics Task Force.

Batavia will vote on recreational marijuana sales in November

“I am confident that the charges will be dropped after examining the facts,” Chanzit said on Saturday.

Chanzit is Batavia's new city councilor in the 3rd district

He said he was “deeply embarrassed” by “the disgrace (his arrest) has brought upon my city and my neighbors.”

Chanzit said he was not named in the search warrant for his home.

He served as a city councilor for 14 years but resigned in July to focus on a business he founded. The company carried out real estate sales as well as the restoration and refurbishment of various items.

He used to work in banking and before that worked as a newspaper reporter.

Chanzit said he was away from home for up to 20 hours a day to attend to his business. He said he hired two handymen and let them live in his house. He also said he was trying to sell his house.

“I think it's safe to say I have no idea how much activity was going on here, and by the time police searched the house it was too late,” Chanzit said.