Michael Workheiser, 31, of Kewanee was set to have a Jury Trial today but took an Open Plea instead. Workheiser pleaded guilty to Count 1 of Aggravated Battery in a Public Place and the remaining two counts are dismissed by the State. Mr. Workheiser is charged with shooting two people, in separate incidents, with a BB Gun from his vehicle on June 9, 2022, in Kewanee. The State is not seeking a Department of Corrections sentence. Judge Colby Hathaway disclosed that he is acquainted with one of the alleged victims through family. After speaking with his client, Attorney Dyer said that Mr. Workheiser was willing to continue with the plea but wanted a different Judge for Sentencing. The Defense waived Judge Hathaway as the Sentencing Judge and a Sentencing Hearing is schedule for May 1, 2023, at 11 AM with a substitute Judge.
