THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
People v. William Coleman 2024-CF-897
On October 23, 2025, a Vermilion County jury found William Coleman (DOB: 11/4/1982), formerly of Danville, Illinois, guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 3 felony, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No FOID, a class 4 felony, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No Conceal Carry License, a class 4 felony. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Jake Klein and Daniel Reynolds. The trial was presided over by Judge Mark S. Goodwin. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2025.
The People presented evidence that on January 29, 2023, at a bar on North Vermilion Street, Danville Police responded in reference to a handgun that had been found inside the women’s restroom. Security footage identified William Coleman walking into the women’s restroom. Following a thorough investigation by Danville Police Department and lab testing by the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, results confirmed William Coleman’s DNA on the trigger of the firearm.
The People also presented to the Jury that additional charges were filed against William Coleman in case number 2025-CF-746, for Communication with a Witness, a class 3 felony. The witness testified that on September 15, 2025, William Coleman grabbed her by the arm at the same bar on North Vermilion Street, and talked to her about his pending case where she is a witness. The witness testified that Coleman told her to “plead the fifth” and to say she was drunk. Officers collected security footage that confirmed the witness statements. This case is pending and a Status Hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2025.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy and Assistant State’s Attorneys Jake Klein and Daniel Reynolds thanked the witness for coming forward to initially report the gun, and for bravely continuing to cooperate following the additional report of Communication with a Witness. They also thanked the Danville Police Department for their investigation. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said, “We thank the members of the jury for their time, careful attention to the evidence and for their service to our community.”
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.
