As any reader of this blog knows, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Central District of Illinois is active and always looking to make headlines. Indeed, a quick search online shows they seem to love their press releases. And, this was for two Illinoisans.
The firearm indictment
On October 19, 2021, the Federal Grand Jury indicted a 22-year-old Peoria, Illinois, resident. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. He was arrested by the Peoria Police Department and is still in federal custody.
The robbery indictment
On that same day, the Federal Grand Jury indicted a 54-year-old resident on one count of armed bank robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of bank robbery and he was also charged with attempted escape from the Livingston County Jail in Pontiac, Illinois. Our local Springfield Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation handled this case.
What now?
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois is now handling these cases, but they have not schedule dates for either defendant. And, it is not known yet whether they have been assigned or retained an attorney. Though, one is definitely recommended.
Weapons offenses
For Springfield, Illinois, residents charged with weapons offenses, the DOJ and local prosecutors will put out these press releases immediately. They will tout how their offices are being tough on crime and attempt to convict one in the court of public opinion. This is why it is so important to start crafting a criminal defense immediately to begin to fight back on that narrative.