THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On May 30, 2023, Burke pleaded guilty to Intimidation (class 3 felony extended term) and Domestic Battery (class 4 felony). Burke was sentenced to ten (10) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the charge of Intimidation due to him being extended term eligible and he was sentenced to a concurrent term of Three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the charge of Domestic Battery. Based upon his plea of guilty to the charge of Domestic Battery he will be required to serve four (4) years of mandatory supervised release.
Prior to the sentence being imposed Circuit Court Judge Charles Hall heard evidence that on December 23, 2022, Burke became irate will the mother of his children, possibly over diverging romantic interests. As the argument turned physical and Burke made various threats of violence against the victim, threatening to escalate to even more, possibly deadly violence, if the police were contacted. The Hoopeston Police Department was contacted, arrived, saw the defendant holding the victim against her will, and the defendant bit her. The victim was able to break free and got away from Burke. While Burke was being detained and arrested by police, he was threatening revenge against the victim.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy expressed her appreciativeness of the victim’s courage in this case; including the victim’s family and their prompt reporting of Burke’s crimes. The State’s Attorney also thanked the Hoopeston Police Department for their efforts to ensure that this domestic abuser will properly spend a significant period of time behind bars.
