In Kewanee, a string of vehicle burglaries between May 14th and May 30th has led police to arrest 21-year-old Zachary Huffman. Initially, Huffman was released with a Notice to Appear under the Illinois SAFE-T Act, but he was implicated in another vehicle burglary while awaiting his court date. On May 30th, officers apprehended Huffman and discovered he had a firearm in his possession. Given that Huffman was already out on pretrial release, authorities took immediate action and transferred him to the Henry County Jail pending further legal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 9, 2025, at 1 PM.
“The Kewanee Police Department remains committed to investigating all criminal activity and ensuring public safety within the framework of current law.”
Huffman has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card (Class A Misdemeanor) and burglary without causing damage (Class 3 Felony). Additional charges are likely to be incurred as the original case proceeds through the court system. A Class 3 felony in Illinois carries a potential sentence of two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Huffman is presumed innocent until proven guilty.