THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM THE VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
On January 15, 2025, Joseph Nicholas, Jr. (DOB: 10/8/1976), formerly of Westville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to two felony charges in a matter presided over by Judge Karen E. Wall. Nicholas pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony, and was sentenced to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Additionally, Nicholas pleaded guilty to Driving While Driver’s License Revoked, a class 4 felony, receiving a concurrent sentence of 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Nicholas will serve a term of 6 months mandatory supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
The People presented evidence that on August 12, 2022, an officer with the Westville Police Department observed a motorcycle driving at a high rate of speed on East Oak Street in Westville. The officer attempted to stop the motorcycle but the suspect fled, and after multiple violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code were observed by police during the pursuit, the suspect crashed the motorcycle. The driver was identified as Joseph Nicholas, Jr. Upon search of Nicholas, police located a HiPoint .380 caliber firearm with multiple rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber. The firearm was located in a holster inside Nicholas’ coat pocket. Upon identification, Nicholas was found to be wanted on a warrant for the Illinois Department of Corrections, as well as a warrant out of Vermilion County. Nicholas was transported to OSF Hospital for treatment due to injuries from the crash prior to being transported to the Vermilion County Public Safety Building.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Westville Police Department for their quick response to protect the public. Lacy added, “The sentencing in this case reflects the severity of the offenses. It is my hope that this sentence will deter repeat offenders from continuing to disobey the law.”