THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMIILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
People v. Elrico Donelson 2024-CF-327
On July 22, 2025, Elrico Donelson (DOB: 9/7/2003), formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and was sentenced to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following his term of imprisonment, Donelson will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release. The plea and sentencing hearing were presided over by Judge Mark S. Goodwin.
The People presented evidence that on May 21, 2024, an officer with the Danville Police Department was on patrol when he observed a vehicle to be illegally parked. As law enforcement approached, some people in the area of the vehicle fled on foot. Elrico Donelson was observed by officers as he exited the passenger side of the vehicle and was the only individual observed to be in the vehicle at that time. A number of guns were recovered, including one personally possessed by Donelson. The defendant was also identified in various social media posts, which showed him in possession of the same gun.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy expressed gratitude to the Danville Police Department for their diligent efforts in this case. She added, “Repeat offenders with access to firearms are a direct threat to public safety. We will continue to work with our local police departments to take steps towards protecting our neighborhoods and preventing violent crime.”
