A Sterling man faces four years behind bars following his guilty plea to two separate aggravated battery charges. One of the incidents involved an assault on a police officer, escalating the severity of sentencing. Court documents reveal the offenses occurred several months apart, with authorities emphasizing the threat posed to community safety. The judge cited the need for deterrence and protecting public officials in delivering the sentence. Local law enforcement expressed relief at the outcome, noting the case underscores the consequences of violence against officers and civilians alike. The man will serve his sentence in state prison and may face additional supervision upon release.
Austin M. Hey, 30, entered a guilty plea Tuesday to an aggravated battery charge after an incident involving a police officer in Whiteside County. The charge, classified as a Class 2 felony, stemmed from events earlier in 2024. Prosecutors reached a plea agreement with Hey, reducing potential penalties in exchange for the guilty plea. The details of the plea deal, including any agreed-upon sentencing recommendations, have not been publicly disclosed.