East Central Reporter

Shelby Co., Ill. (ECWd) – In a recent case involving former Shelby County State’s Attorney Gina Vonderheide, questions have arisen regarding the charges brought against Chad Hammond in 2020-CF59. The charges included three felonies: Class 2 Felony Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer, Class 3 Felony Aggravated Battery in a Public Place, Class 4 Felony Attempted to FOIL/Defeat Screen Test, and a Class A Misdemeanor for Resisting a Peace Officer.

All charges were later dismissed by former State’s Attorney Rob Hanlon. Critics have suggested that Hanlon's dismissal indicated a lack of concern for police officers' safety. However, an email from Jay Scott, the Assistant State’s Attorney under Nichole Kroncke, suggests otherwise.

In his communication with Tom Finks, Scott stated: “I’m a straight shooter when it comes to negotiations. In prepping for trial in 20CF59 I discovered that the reports are somewhat misleading. After viewing the video, there is no Aggravated Battery. Having never looked beyond that charge, after looking at Count III I don’t believe he committed the offense charged but that he committed the offense of Attempt (Defrauding a Drug Test). So in short, we only have misdemeanor offenses in this case, which I really don’t care much about.”

Scott's comments raise concerns about why Hammond was charged if the evidence did not support those charges. He continued: “As far as all of the other charges, he is extended term eligible and he has a horrible record. My offer to resolve all of his cases would be a plea to Unlawful Possession of Meth in 19CF12 with a sentence of two years, a plea to Agg. Fleeing in 19CF116 with a consecutive sentence of four years, with 20CF59, 19CF62, and 19CF122 being dismissed.”

The local narrative claimed Hanlon let Hammond off easily; however, Scott confirmed that misleading reports and video evidence showed no aggravated battery occurred. This raises questions about prosecutorial priorities and whether justice was served appropriately.

In March 2021, Scott offered to dismiss multiple felony charges in exchange for guilty pleas in two cases where Hammond would serve six years. Ultimately, Hammond was sentenced to prison in September 2023 for various crimes totaling 24 years; due to concurrent sentencing and credits for time served, he faces seven years.

Court records indicate multiple guilty pleas across several cases resulting in concurrent sentences ranging from four to seven years each and fines plus costs. Restitution was ordered within five years post-release.

The public is encouraged to review public records independently rather than relying on potentially biased narratives.