East Central Reporter

Tyler Abbott was acquitted of charges by a Coles County jury following an appellate court's decision to reverse a previous ruling. The jury delivered their verdict in the Coles County Circuit Court, finding Abbott not guilty of domestic battery causing bodily harm and not guilty of domestic battery by making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature.

The case gained attention due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the legal proceedings. The Illinois Appellate Court highlighted an issue involving the defense attorney, Matthews, who was revealed to be the mother of Magdalene "Maggie" Wilson, the assistant state's attorney prosecuting the case. This relationship raised questions about impartiality in plea negotiations.

Defense attorney Todd Reardon identified this conflict and took steps to address it. Judge Brien J. O'Brien acknowledged being aware of the familial connection but did not see it as impacting case outcomes. He stated that interactions between Wilson and Matthews were professional and appropriate.

Despite local judges and the State’s Attorney concluding there was no conflict, the Appellate Court determined otherwise, citing a per se conflict when defense counsel has ties to someone who might benefit from an unfavorable verdict for the defendant. This type of conflict requires automatic reversal unless waived by the defendant.

The situation had been previously reported to authorities in 2020 regarding another defendant by Attorney Mervin Wolfe, who claimed widespread misconduct affecting hundreds of defendants in similar circumstances.

The recent developments raise questions about how these conflicts will be addressed moving forward in Coles County's judicial system.