THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
People v. Dwight Rowe 2023-CF-636
On July 14, 2026, Dwight L. Rowe (DOB: 12/14/1991), formerly of Hoopeston, Illinois, was sentenced to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, after pleading guilty to Home Invasion, a class X felony. Following his term of imprisonment, the defendant will serve 18
months of mandatory supervised release. The plea and sentencing hearing were presided over by Judge Mark S. Goodwin.
The People presented evidence that on October 11, 2023, the defendant, Dwight Rowe entered the residence of the victim in Rossville, Illinois. The victim had previously obtained an order of protection against the defendant that prohibited him from having contact with her. The victim reported to police that she was working from home, when the defendant entered her bedroom and attempted to initiate a sexual encounter. When the victim rejected the defendant and tried to get away, the defendant became violent, grabbed the victim about her body, and punched her in the face. The defendant strangled the victim until she lost consciousness. The victim suffered from physical injuries.
During the sentencing hearing the victim presented a poignant impact statement. In it she said, “I lost the ability to move through the world without carrying what you did to me.” She added, “I don’t think I could ever be happy with a sentence that doesn’t put you away for life for the harm and the damage that you have caused to not just me, but my children. Simply because of the lifelong impact those crimes have had on me and my children. Because while you may eventually finish your sentence, I will continue living with the consequences of your choices. The difference is this: You chose what happened on October 11, 2023. I chose to survive it.”
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said, “Our thoughts are with the victim as she continues to recover from the violence and trauma she endured at the hands of this repeat offender. We are grateful for her courage and cooperation.” She added, “I would also like to thank the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department for their investigative work and their dedication to pursue justice for this victim. My office remains steadfast in its commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.”
