THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On September 10, 2024, Joseph Vecellio (DOB 9/28/1989), formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon, a class 2 felony. Judge Mark Goodwin sentenced Vecellio to 6 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Vecellio will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
During the plea hearing, Judge Goodwin heard evidence from the People, that on December 13, 2023, Danville Police responded to a 911 call of shots fired in the area of South Street in Danville. Officers spoke with witnesses who saw Joseph Vecellio carrying a paintball gun, and then saw him display a handgun. Vecellio was seen firing the handgun and was then seen getting into a vehicle which left the area. Officers located 3 spent 40 caliber shell casings at the scene.
On December 14, 2024, Joseph Vecellio was the driver of a vehicle that was pulled over by police for an Illinois Vehicle Code violation. Additionally, Vecellio’s Illinois Driver’s License was suspended. The passenger was asked by police to exit the vehicle and officers allowed her to bring her jacket due to the cold weather. As she picked up her jacket from the vehicle, officers observed a firearm. Officers recovered the firearm, which was a .40 caliber Springfield XD. Law enforcement proceeded to conduct a search of the vehicle, and also located a Tippman 98 Custom paintball gun. Vecellio’s DNA was matched to DNA found on the firearm. The passenger was subsequently charged, and her case is pending.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department for their persistence in this investigation. She said, “Previously convicted felons are prohibited by law from possessing firearms. My office will continue to work with police to reduce violent crime in our communities due to repeat offenders.”
THE PUBLIC IS REMINDED THAT CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO PROVE ITS CHARGES IN COURT BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.
