Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy has released a statement regarding comments made by County Board member Jerry Hawker at the end of Tuesday (Jan 13th) evening’s meeting.
Hawker had stated that “Last Monday (Jan 5th), I was personally affected by a violent incident on my property at my farm. The attack resulted in injuries requiring emergency medical care.” Hawker went on to say that a social worker had recommended to him that he contact the State’s Attorney’s Office “Victim Witness Assistance Program.”
“I was informed that they might be able to assist me in obtaining an order of protection, although they were unsure whether my circumstances qualified. Additionally, I inquired about support for myself or my spouse in navigating the legal process or accessing available resources.”
Hawker then stated that over a week had passed and he had not received further guidance. He then expressed concern about “the level of support provided to victims and the overall effectiveness of criminal prosecution efforts.” Hawker alleged that “over the past year, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney has only brought three felony cases to trial, and the Attorney General has brought one.”
(1st Picture) Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy. (2nd Picture) Vermilion County Board member Jerry Hawker.
The statement from the State’s Attorney’s office submitted to CIMG the morning of January 15th stated the following about Hawker’s situation; including mentioning that victims in his particular case should contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Crime Victim’s Assistance Line.
The criminal matter Mr. Hawker mentioned is being investigated by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. When an investigation involves a Vermilion County elected official or board member, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney must refer the case to the Attorney General due to a legal conflict of interest as the State’s Attorney also represents the county in legal matters. This referral is formalized through a court motion and judge’s order. Once referred, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office is not involved in the investigation or prosecution. Victims in this case should contact the Attorney General’s Crime Victims Assistance Line at 1-800-228-3368.
On the topic of overall effectiveness of prosecution efforts, State’s Attorney Lacy stated:
In 2025, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office filed 2,047 criminal cases, while our Victim Assistance Program served more than 1,500 victims throughout Vermilion County. My staff and I have taken approximately 14 cases to jury trial and 78 cases to bench trial. The remaining cases have been lawfully disposed of through the court system.
State’s Attorney Lacy went to to acknowledge “generous donations we receive from our community partners;” as well as remaining “committed to ensuring that all crime victims have access to appropriate support and resources.”
THE ENTIRE STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE STATEMENT CAN BE SEEN BELOW:
January 15, 2026
Statement by State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy Regarding Comments by County Board Member Jerry Hawker
The criminal matter Mr. Hawker mentioned is being investigated by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. When an investigation involves a Vermilion County elected official or board member, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney must refer the case to the Attorney General due to a legal conflict of interest as the State’s Attorney also represents the county in legal matters.
This referral is formalized through a court motion and judge’s order. Once referred, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office is not involved in the investigation or prosecution. Victims in this case should contact the Attorney General’s Crime Victims Assistance Line at 1-800-228-3368.
In 2025, the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office filed 2,047 criminal cases, while our Victim Assistance Program served more than 1,500 victims throughout Vermilion County. My staff and I have taken approximately 14 cases to jury trial and 78 cases to bench trial. The remaining cases have been lawfully disposed of through the court system.
We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations we receive from our community partners. With this funding, we are able to provide victims and their families with vital assistance, such as emergency shelter, travel, food and clothing.
The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office remains committed to ensuring that all crime victims have access to appropriate support and resources.
