Charlie Schlenker / WGLT
Looters who stormed several local businesses and damaged police cars last summer are facing serious financial and legal consequences for the civil unrest, including restitution of more than $100,000, in cases resolved so far.
For the more than 40 alleged looters, the insistence by judges that defendants pay restitution to businesses and the Bloomington and Normal police departments has added massive potential debt to the long-term consequences of their misconduct.
The first indication that the felony cases could be subject to harsh punishment came in September when Judge William Yoder rejected a negotiated plea agreement worked out between the state and Anthony Crose. Unlike many of his co-defendants, Crose had a pending case (an aggravated DUI) when he was charged with mob action in connection with the looting incidents.
First Assistant Public Defender Ron Lewis is among 11 candidates who have filed applications to succeed former McLean County Public Defender Carla Barnes, who recently was named a circuit judge.
Three other current public defenders Matthew Koetters, Mark Messman and Joseph Moran also filed applications for the post.
Former public defender Jennifer Patton, now in private practice in Bloomington, joins local defense lawyers Chris Gramm and Mark Zalcman as candidates. Edward McKibbin, who serves as students’ attorney for Illinois State University, rounds out the list of local lawyers on the list.
Candidates from outside Bloomington-Normal include Pontiac attorney Larry Necheles, Chicago attorney Meanith Huon and Brady Lee Allen from Coles County.