A Kewanee man was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for violating the terms of probation from three cases. James Riske was also charged with aggravated battery and domestic battery of a person over 60 years of age, but the state dismissed those charges. James Riske pleaded guilty to violating the term of probation for three cases in an open plea on April 15, 2024. A sentencing hearing was held on June 17, 2024. The State said that Mr. Riske had failed to report to court services and his substance and mental health issues are not being addressed. The State recommended five years in IDOC. Defense Attorney Camp said that Mr. Riske served a prison sentence almost 20 years ago. Mr. Camp said that Riske “attempted battery”, but he didn’t commit battery. Mr. Camp said that his physical and mental health issues are not someone who needs to go to prison. “Putting him in prison would burt his medical issues, plus cost the state a lot of money.” The Defense recommended time served in the Henry County Jail.
The State said that Mr. Riske swung a hammer at a deputy and has shown that he can’t comply with probation. Judge Hathaway said that a sentence is necessary to deter others from committing the same crimes. He sentenced James Riske to three years in the IDOC, followed by six months of mandatory supervised release, for case 22CF25. He sentenced Riske to 364 days in the Henry County Jail, with credit for time served, and will merge with the IDOC Sentene for each of 21CM208 and 22CM171; the misdemeanor sentences are concurrent to each other and the prison sentence. Riske must report within 180 days of his release from prison to make payment arrangements.
Riske originally pleaded to Aggravated Battery of a Peace Officer (Class 3 Felony) for case 2022CF25, False Reporting to a Safety Agency (Class A Misdemeanor) for case 2021CM208, and Violate Order of Protection (Class A Misdemeanor) for case 2022CM171.