These are the results of the following court cases heard on Tuesday, August 30th at the Christian County Courthouse.16CF012 - Banning, Jacob O - Prelim Hearing
15CF238 - Benavides, Anthony D - Plea - State makes formal motion to withdraw PTR with one of the cases, and will dismiss another charge, with bond being transferred to another charge. Defendant would plead guilty to count 4, count 1 would be dismissed, and will be sentenced to two years of probation. Also sentenced to 266 days in the Christian County Jail with credit for time served. Court accepted terms of the plea. A payment plan of $50 a month established.
16CF156 - Denton, Casey D - Prelim Hearing - State calls officer Jason Cole from the Pana Police Department to the stand. Testified that he responded to a domestic disturbance. Said he observed a female with injures sitting in a desk chair in the living room. Said that she was shaken up and that her face was swollen and bloody. Woman testified that defendant had caused her injuries. Officer Cole also noted a blood trail from the back bedroom into the living room. Said there were other adults at the residence who said that defendant had struck the woman. Defendant had left residence, and an ambulance was called for the woman. The woman also gave a written statement. Had said that defendant had used a hammer to strike her shoulder. State asked for the court to find probable cause based on the officer’s testimony. Defense asked court to not find probable cause saying how there is no testimony that indicates the presence of great bodily harm. State reminded court that there was a testimony of a trail of blood from the bedroom into the living room, indicating great bodily harm. Court ruled that there is no definition between the difference between bodily and great bodily harm. Court finds that there is some evidence for probable cause, and ruled that there is probably cause. Defense waives formal arraignment, enters a plea of not guilty, and requests trial by jury. Jury trial set for October 11th, with pretrial for September 20th.
16CF183 - Fisher, Carl J - Motion to Reduce Bail - Defense testified that he’s never been convicted of a felony before, and isn’t currently on probation or parole. Stated that if he was released on bond that he would live with his mom, and that his family might be able to come up with $500 for bond, and asked bond be reduced to $5000. State said they feel bond is set appropriately, and brought up a previous failure to appear by the defendant. Court denies motion to reduce bond. Prelim hearing set for September 20th.
16CF188 - Lecocq, Tyler P - Motion to Reduce Bail - Defendant testified that if he were to make bond he’d reside with family in Christian County. Stated that the last time he was in the Illinios DOC was in 2005. Stated that there has never been a failure to appear with him. Asked for bond to be reduced to $10,000. Defense argues that although there is a criminal record, the time was served and since then, there has been no other convictions. All other arrests have resulted in dismissals. Defense argues he’s not a flight risk. State said there were no new details that weren’t heard when probable cause was found. Did state that items have been recovered in his possession that had previously reported missing. Said that the state is in the process of connecting the dots between these items and possible thefts. Court denies motion to reduce bond, noting the previous criminal history and extent of evidence presented.
16CF089 - Steele, Donnie S - PreTrial - State requested a change of jury trial. Jury trial changed to October 11th. Defense asked for further pre-trial on September 20th. Pretrial set for that date.
16CF033 - Van Houtin, Jerry F - Motion to Reduce Bail - Defense moved to continue motion. Stated how defendant is currently homeless and wouldn’t have anywhere to go. Bond motion continued generally without a date set.
