ROCKFORD (WREX) -
Charges have been refiled against seven members of the Rockford Hells Angels.
In July of 2013, Rockford Police arrested 14 members of the motorcycle group after they allegedly beat a man and held an 11-year-old victim hostage. They faced several charges, including aggravated battery, armed robbery and kidnapping.
As the case was pending, half of the men took plea deals. Then in July of this year, the charges were dropped against the remaining defendants.
At the time Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato said, "The State's Attorney's Office also has to consider the safety of all witnesses when evaluating our prosecution strategies. In an effort to secure our chief witness and ensure his safety, the State's Attorney's Office has decided to exercise our right, in the interest of justice, to dismiss all charges at this time."
Bruscato also said his office reserves the right to charges to this case at a later time.
The following men have been recharged in this case:
Richard Todd, Rockford
Robert Bell, Rockford
John Savalick, Pecatonica
Tomas Lech, Chicago
Aloysius Balice, Rockford
Christopher Lawson, Rockford
Jose Vielma, Countryside
The seven men are due in court for a status hearing on the charges at 9 a.m. Sept. 30.
http://www.wrex.com/story/26636476/2014/09/26/hells-angels-members-recharged-in-2013-case
Charges have been refiled against seven members of the Rockford Hells Angels.
In July of 2013, Rockford Police arrested 14 members of the motorcycle group after they allegedly beat a man and held an 11-year-old victim hostage. They faced several charges, including aggravated battery, armed robbery and kidnapping.
As the case was pending, half of the men took plea deals. Then in July of this year, the charges were dropped against the remaining defendants.
At the time Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato said, "The State's Attorney's Office also has to consider the safety of all witnesses when evaluating our prosecution strategies. In an effort to secure our chief witness and ensure his safety, the State's Attorney's Office has decided to exercise our right, in the interest of justice, to dismiss all charges at this time."
Bruscato also said his office reserves the right to charges to this case at a later time.
The following men have been recharged in this case:
Richard Todd, Rockford
Robert Bell, Rockford
John Savalick, Pecatonica
Tomas Lech, Chicago
Aloysius Balice, Rockford
Christopher Lawson, Rockford
Jose Vielma, Countryside
The seven men are due in court for a status hearing on the charges at 9 a.m. Sept. 30.
http://www.wrex.com/story/26636476/2014/09/26/hells-angels-members-recharged-in-2013-case
