56-year-old James H. Batterson from Louisiana made his first court appearance in Fairfield on Wednesday, charged with multiple burglaries. Batterson appeared before Judge Denton Aud with additional legal trouble stemming from a Louisiana Parole Authority Warrant related to burglary.
Batterson is accused of committing six counts of Residential Burglary in various locations, including; Parkhurst Place ,400 Block of East Johnson Street, 200 block of Union Street, the 800 Block of East King Street, 1200 Block of North 1st and the 400 Block of Northwest 9th Street. These alleged offenses took place between April and June of 2024, with each count carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Judge Aud noted that Batterson’s case may qualify for habitual offender status, which could result in up to 30 years per count. Public defender Heidi Hoffee is representing Batterson in this legal matter.
Following the initial court appearance, a detention hearing was conducted where the state opposed pretrial release. After a recess, Batterson agreed to the state’s petition based on clear and convincing evidence. Batterson’s next court date in Wayne County is scheduled for July 18th at 9 AM.