McHenry County State's Attorney's Office

10/15/2026

CHICAGO MAN SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRISON AFTER FORCING HIS WAY INTO WOODSTOCK HOME, ASSAULTING RESIDENT, AND THREATENING TO KILL HER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that on October 14, 2026, Christopher J. Holman, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 11 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Home Invasion, a Class X felony. The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Judge Mark R. Gerhardt following a negotiated plea of guilty.

On January 22, 2025, what began as a frightening home invasion escalated into threats against the victim's life. Officers with the Woodstock Police Department responded to a residence after receiving a report that an armed man had forced his way into the home, struck the female resident in the head, and stolen cash from a table inside the residence. The victim, who had previously met her attacker, was able to identify Holman by name to responding officers. While police were still at the residence investigating the violent encounter, Holman called the victim and threatened to return to her home and kill her.

Holman ultimately pleaded guilty to Home Invasion, the most serious charge filed against him, a Class X felony. In addition to his 11-year prison sentence, Holman will be required to serve 18 months of mandatory supervised release following his incarceration.

“Absolutely terrifying. No one should have to fear for their safety inside their own home,” said State’s Attorney Freese. “This man not only violated the security of the victim’s home but then attempted to terrorize her with threats against her life. Our office will continue to work tirelessly to hold violent criminals who prey upon members of our community accountable.”

State’s Attorney Freese commended the Woodstock Police Department, particularly Detective Fischer, for the diligent investigation that helped bring Holman to justice.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Vonau.

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10/14/2026

CRYSTAL LAKE MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON FOR YEARS-LONG SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that on October 14, 2026, Luis Alfredo Iglesias-Silva, 40, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, was sentenced to 16 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, a Class X felony. The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Judge Mark R. Gerhardt following a negotiated plea agreement.

The conviction stems from allegations of s*xual abuse spanning several years. In July 2025, the victim, accompanied by the child's mother, courageously came forward to the Crystal Lake Police Department to report the abuse. Following the initial report, the child participated in a victim-sensitive forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center, where the child disclosed details of the abuse endured over the years.

Throughout the prosecution, the young victim demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience, working closely with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office as the case progressed. The victim's involvement and input were important considerations in reaching a negotiated resolution that held Iglesias-Silva accountable while sparing the child the additional trauma of testifying at trial.

Under the terms of the negotiated plea, Iglesias-Silva was sentenced to 16 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Pursuant to Illinois' Truth-in-Sentencing law, he must serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release, Iglesias-Silva will be subject to a mandatory supervised release period of three years to natural life. He will also be required to register as a s*x offender for the remainder of his life.

State’s Attorney Freese stated: “The courage of this young victim is extraordinary. After enduring years of abuse, this child found the strength to come forward and help bring the offender to justice. No sentence can erase that trauma, but today’s outcome delivers accountability and sends a clear message: those who prey on children will be held responsible for their actions.”

State’s Attorney Freese commended the Crystal Lake Police Department, particularly Detective Harvat, for his diligent investigation and commitment to seeking justice for the victim. She also expressed appreciation to the Child Advocacy Center for providing a safe, supportive environment for the child to disclose the abuse and for the critical services it provides to vulnerable children throughout McHenry County.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Vonau.

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10/13/2026

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese and First Assistant State’s Attorney Ashur Y. Youash recently had the opportunity to visit McHenry County College and speak with a classroom of students interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice and the legal profession.

During their visit, they shared insights into the work of the State’s Attorney’s Office, the responsibilities of prosecutors, and the important role our criminal justice system plays in protecting and serving our community.

At the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, our commitment to public service extends well beyond the courtroom. We believe that remaining actively engaged with our community, building meaningful relationships, and investing in the education and development of future generations are essential parts of our mission.

The bright, inquisitive minds sitting in today's classrooms may very well become tomorrow's prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and leaders in the criminal justice system. We are proud to play even a small role in inspiring their journeys.

We extend our sincere thanks to McHenry County College and Prof. Mark Krause for the invitation and to the students for their thoughtful questions, enthusiasm, and interest in the pursuit of justice.

The future of the legal profession is bright, and we are excited to help shape it!

10/12/2026

10/08/2026

CARY MAN WITH DECADES-LONG CRIMINAL HISTORY, INCLUDING TWO ATTEMPT MURDER CONVICTIONS, PLEADS GUILTY TO SIXTH DUI INVOLVING CRASH AND FLIGHT FROM SCENE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that George Gnewuch, 64, of Cary, Illinois, has pleaded guilty to Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Sixth or Subsequent Violation, a Class X felony. Gnewuch is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026, at 1:30pm, before the Honorable Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo of Kane County.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at approximately 6:37 p.m. on December 1, 2025, when Gnewuch was driving a white pickup truck eastbound on Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake. Gnewuch crossed over the median into the westbound lanes of traffic, striking another vehicle on its driver's-side door and forcing that vehicle off the roadway. Despite losing an entire wheel in the collision, Gnewuch continued driving and fled the scene, eventually returning to his residence.

Responding deputies from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office identified the registration of the pickup truck and subsequently located Gnewuch at his home. Upon making contact with Gnewuch, deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol. The pickup truck, which was parked in the driveway, had sustained significant front-end damage consistent with the collision. Further investigation resulted in Gnewuch's arrest. Testing following his arrest revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .168, more than twice the legal limit.

Gnewuch's criminal history includes five prior DUI convictions dating back to 1984, 1985, 1991, 2003, and 2004. His driver's license had previously been revoked as a result of his DUI convictions. Gnewuch also has two prior convictions for Attempted Murder, occurring in 1985 and 1992.

“Five prior DUI convictions. Two prior attempted murder convictions. A revoked driver's license. Yet this defendant once again chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, placing innocent lives in danger. His extensive criminal history demonstrates a decades-long disregard for the law and the safety of others. Our office will continue to seek meaningful consequences for repeat offenders who demonstrate, time and again, that they are unwilling to follow the law and respect the safety of our community.”

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office thanks the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation and efforts in bringing this case to a successful resolution.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Desiree Sierens.

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10/07/2026

SPRING GROVE MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING 15-YEAR-OLD DENIED PRETRIAL RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that the Honorable Judge Cynthia D. Lamb granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for Austin R. Rogers, 41, of Spring Grove, Illinois. Rogers appeared in Initial Appearance Court on October 7, 2026, charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony, involving a victim who was 15 years old at the time of the alleged offense.

Evidence presented in court established that Rogers allegedly had s*xual contact with the 15-year-old victim by touching the victim’s breast. Following an extensive investigation by the city of McHenry Police Department, Rogers was arrested and taken into custody on October 6, 2026.

Following a hearing on the State’s petition, Judge Lamb ordered Rogers detained pending trial.

“This case underscores the importance of combining careful investigative work with forensic evidence when investigating allegations of s*xual abuse,” State’s Attorney Freese said. “When a child comes forward with an allegation of s*xual abuse, our office is committed to ensuring that the allegation is thoroughly investigated, that all available evidence is pursued, and that the child’s voice is heard throughout the criminal justice process.”

Rogers’s next court date is scheduled for October 8, 2026, in Courtroom 302.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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10/06/2026

💜 OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

This October, the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office joins communities across the country in recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and standing with survivors of domestic violence.

For our Office, advocating for victims is not limited to a single month—it is work we do every day.

Our prosecutors and victim advocates work alongside victims throughout every stage of a criminal case. We speak up for their rights and their safety while a case is pending. We keep them informed and help them understand a process that can often feel overwhelming. When a case must go to trial, we spend time preparing victims for the courtroom and supporting them through the difficult experience of testifying.

And our commitment does not end when a conviction is entered or a sentence is imposed.

Our Victim/Witness Division helps connect victims with services and resources throughout the case and continues to provide assistance even after the criminal case has concluded. We understand that the impact of domestic violence does not simply disappear when the court proceedings are over.

We see firsthand the courage it can take for a victim to come forward, participate in a prosecution, and begin rebuilding his or her life. Victims deserve to be heard, supported, protected, and treated with dignity throughout that journey.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence, and reaffirm a commitment our Office carries with us every day: to stand with victims, to give them a voice in the justice system, and to hold offenders accountable.

10/01/2026

MCHENRY MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR AGGRAVATED BATTERY TO HIS INFANT SON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that on October 1, 2026, DeShawn M. Wilson, 28, of McHenry, Illinois, was sentenced to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by the Honorable Judge Tiffany E. Davis after pleading guilty to Aggravated Battery to a Child, a Class X felony.

With the input and agreement of the victim’s family, Wilson entered a negotiated plea of guilty. Aggravated Battery to a Child is punishable by a sentence of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Evidence established that on July 17, 2022, paramedics responded to a report of an unresponsive four-month-old infant. Wilson, the child’s father, had been caring for the infant while the child’s mother was at work. The infant was initially transported to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital before being airlifted to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago due to the severity of his condition. The child suffered a severe brain injury that required emergency surgery. During the investigation, Wilson admitted that while attempting to get his infant son to sleep, he shook and bounced the child.

By pleading guilty, Wilson accepted responsibility for causing injuries to his infant son. Under Illinois Truth-in-Sentencing laws, Wilson will be required to serve 85 percent of his 12-year prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, Wilson will be required to serve three years of Mandatory Supervised Release and register as a Violent Offender Against Youth.

“This resolution holds Wilson accountable for the devastating and lasting injuries he caused his infant son,” State’s Attorney Freese stated. “It also brings these lengthy criminal proceedings to a close for the victim’s family. Our hope is that they can now move forward with their full attention where it belongs—on this child, his continued care, and his well-being.”

State’s Attorney Freese thanks the McHenry Police Department for its thorough investigation and work throughout this case. She also recognizes McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Kelly Gallagher for her steadfast support of the victim and his family throughout these lengthy proceedings.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Chief of Staff Ashley Romito.

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10/01/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that one of our very own, Ryan Wolfsmith, received some very exciting news today—he passed the Illinois Bar Exam!

His journey with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office began during the summer of 2025, when he joined our office as a Student Licensed Rule-711 Intern through our MCSAO Summer Internship Program. Last summer, he gained valuable courtroom experience, worked alongside our prosecutors, and demonstrated the work ethic, judgment, and commitment to public service that we look for in our attorneys.

Ryan is expected to be sworn into the Illinois Bar during the first week of November and, shortly thereafter, will take another oath and be fully sworn-in as an Assistant State’s Attorney for McHenry County.

There is something especially rewarding about watching a student intern walk through our doors, grow within our office, and ultimately return to begin his career serving the people of McHenry County.

Congratulations on passing the Illinois Bar Exam! We look forward to making it official in November and watching you begin the next chapter of your career.

09/30/2026

JURY CONVICTS MCCULLOM LAKE MAN ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF PREDATORY CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that Juan A. Reyes-Rivas, 37, of McCullom Lake, Illinois, was found guilty on three counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge Tiffany E. Davis.

Evidence presented at trial established that Reyes-Rivas s*xually assaulted a minor child on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2025. After hearing all the testimony, evidence and closing arguments during the three-day trial, the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts.

“Cases involving the s*xual abuse of children demand that we do everything within our power to hold these predators accountable,” State’s Attorney Freese said. “These are incredibly difficult cases to prosecute, and I could not be prouder of the dedication, compassion, and determination our team demonstrated in achieving this verdict. We are grateful to the jurors for their careful attention to the evidence and to the investigators, advocates, and prosecutors whose work ensured justice was served on behalf of this child.”

Reyes-Rivas is scheduled to appear before Judge Davis on December 10, 2026, for sentencing.

The case was successfully prosecuted at trial by Assistant State’s Attorneys Shelby Page and Elizabeth Vonau.

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