12-02-2025
Felon sentenced to prison for firearm possession charges in Vermilion Co.
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — One Vermilion County felon is heading to prison for over eight years following two counts of possession of firearms related charges.
On Feb. 10, Javon Hackett, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by felon, both class 2 felonies. In one case, Hackett was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and in another, he was sentence to five and a half years in the same prison. These sentences will be served consecutively.
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After Hackett's imprisonment, he will serve a term of 12 months mandatory supervised released. Judge Mark Goodwin presided over the plea and sentencing.
On Jan. 14, 2021, Danville Police were at Hackett's home for an unrelated investigation, when officers observed a semiautomatic rifle in plain view inside the residence. Police then obtained a search warrant for the residence and seized a Romanian AK-47 style semiautomatic rifle.
The Illinois State Police Crime Lab conducted forensic analysis, which confirmed that Hackett's DNA was present on the firearm.
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The second incident that Hackett was sentenced for happened on Nov. 18, 2023. Danville Police responded to a residence on E. Fairchild St. for a report of shots fired. Witnesses reported that Hackett attempted to enter the residence where occupants were present and drew a firearm after he was told to leave.
Victims told police that Hackett ran to Shasta St. where he lived. Officers then responded to Hackett's residence on Shasta and saw the defendant through a window. A search warrant of the residence was then executed, and police located a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun in a plastic bag behind the refrigerator.
Scientists with the Illinois State Police Crime Lab confirmed through forensic analysis that Hackett's DNA was present on the firearm.
'I want to extend my gratitude to the Danville Police Department for their dedication in working to remove firearms from the hands of dangerous felons who repeatedly violate the law,' State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said. 'My office is committed to pursuing serious sentences that send a strong message to the repeat offenders who pose a threat to the safety of the good people of Vermilion County.'
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