Kankakee County, Illinois — A jury conviction late Thursday will send a 21-year-old defendant toward a mandatory Illinois prison sentence, reinforcing firearm restrictions for convicted felons.
According to the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, a county jury found Jaylin James, 21, guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class 2 felony under Illinois law. Prosecutors said James, a previously convicted felon, was allegedly found in unlawful possession of a firearm equipped with an extended magazine containing 33 rounds of ammunition.
Under Illinois sentencing statutes, the conviction carries a mandatory prison term of three to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The sentence must be served at 50 percent, officials said. James remains in custody of the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department pending formal sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.
Prosecutors credited civilians who came forward to report the offense and testify at trial, emphasizing that public cooperation played a critical role in the case. The State’s Attorney’s Office also acknowledged investigative support from the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and forensic analysis conducted by the Illinois State Police Forensic Sciences Center, including firearm and fingerprint examination.
The case was prosecuted by Dan Reedy, Chief Prosecutor of the Criminal Division, and Assistant State’s Attorney Samantha Sweeney, with additional support from victim and witness advocates. A retired Kankakee County sheriff’s detective also testified during the trial.
The jury’s verdict underscores Illinois’ strict enforcement of firearm prohibitions involving convicted felons. The case may be of particular relevance to young adults and students, highlighting the long-term legal consequences tied to unlawful firearm possession.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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