THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On September 6, 2024, Caleb Hackler (DOB 3/9/1986), formerly of Arcola, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Possession of Weapon by Felon – Forcible Felony, a class 2 felony. Judge Mark Goodwin sentenced Hackler to 11 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following his term of imprisonment, Hackler will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release.
During the plea hearing, the People presented evidence that on August 13, 2021, deputies with the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department observed a vehicle travelling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Deputies tried to catch up to the vehicle, but were unable to do so and the vehicle eventually wrecked into a ditch. Upon approaching the wrecked vehicle, deputies saw the two occupants flee on foot.
Deputies searched the area for the occupants, who were eventually located and identified as Caleb Hackler and his co-defendant, Brett Magana. Deputies conducted a search of the wrecked vehicle with the assistance of Illinois State Police. Agents with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group also assisted in the investigation. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered two 9mm firearms, firearm magazines, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia, as well as two wallets containing the identification cards of both Caleb Hackler and Brett Magana.
During his interview with police, Magana admitted he was the driver of the vehicle, that he was aware of the guns and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, and that he and Hackler were on their way to make a drug transaction in the area. Hackler is a convicted felon. Magana was sentenced to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on January 13, 2022.
“Repeat offenders who refuse to follow the law will be held accountable by my office,” said Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy. She added, “Our community is safer thanks to the combined efforts of the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the Illinois State Police.”
