Illinois law professor slashed in Champaign train station

Joshua Scaggs, 23, of Fithian, was arrested and charged on Wednesday for attempted murder and aggravated battery charges after he cut the throat of Dhammika Dharmapala, a University of Illinois law professor. The incident occurred at a Champaign train station, and according to a witness, Dharmapala was standing in a waiting area when Scaggs jumped...

Criminal Defense

December 1st, 2011

Decatur man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual assualt

Steven E. Williams, 49, of Decatur, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually molesting a 13 year old girl. The girl was in his care between March and May 2011 while Williams was living in Sidney. He admitted to engaging in sex acts with the girl, and pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual...

Assault and Battery Defense

October 25th, 2011

Marine Corps vet charged with aggravated assault

Joshua Fourman, 28, of Champaign was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after his wife called 911 when he threatened to shoot her and himself with a .40 caliber pistol. Police responded immediately, and Fourman responded peacefully. He was taken to VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville. Fourman served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is veteran...

Criminal Defense

December 15th, 2010

Two teens shot in Champaign

Two weeks ago, two teens were shot in a drive-by shooting. According to police reports, the men were found in the street on the 1000 block of Northwood Drive. Witnesses say a red Mercury Grand Marquis traveling westbound on Northwood when one of the vehicle’s occupants rolled down the windows, yelled at the two men...

Criminal Defense

April 20th, 2010

Man charged for alleged attack on parking officer

A 50-year-old Champaign man has been charged with three counts of aggravated battery for allegedly attacking a 40-year-old Champaign parking enforcement officer last Thursday. The parking officer was attempting to put a boot on the 50-year-old man’s car because records showed a large number of unpaid parking tickets. While he was doing this the 50-year-old...