A Kewanee man was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for stealing the life savings of a woman who was trying to help him. Nicholas Phillips admitted to stealing $22,000 from the safe at the victim’s house, where he was living at the time. The victim said, “He’s a con man.” She said he gambled the money he stole at casinos. Phillips has been in prison before and had multiple convictions since 2006. Nicholas Phillips apologized to the victim in an unsworn statement to the court. He apologized to his family and said he was a hurt man. He thanked the court for saving his life by keeping him in jail. He asked for the chance to be a better man, father, and son.
Mr. Phillips has a history of stealing from others. The Defense said that Nicholas Phillips has shown accountability by entering into this plea. Mr. Phillips said the court saved his life and said he needed help. Nicholas Phillips is asking for probation and to enter a 28-day inpatient program in Peoria. The Defense said that Mr. Phillips would be an outpatient patient for a year or more at the facility. The State asked for seven years in prison, but the Defense said that Mr. Phillips doesn’t need seven years in prison. He needs help, whether it is inpatient or outpatient. These issues have plagued his life, and he needs help with those issues. The Defense asked for 30 months of probation and drug treatment.
The State said that Mr. Phillips has been on probation before and has had warrants for his arrest. The State thinks it’s best for the community if Nicholas Phillips spends seven years in prison. Some of his older cases are in collection for non-payment. The State requested seven years in prison, followed by one year of Mandatory Supervised Release (MSR), a $75 fine, assessments, and $22,000 restitution to the victim.
Judge Hathaway said that a sentence is necessary to deter others from committing the same crimes. Judge Hathaway sentenced Nicholas Phillips to five years in IDOC, one year of MSR, a $75 fine, assessments, and restitution. He must appear within 180 days to set up a payment plan following his release from prison. Judge Hathaway recommended drug or alcohol treatment while in prison.
