Local man sentenced for weapon violation, concealing fugitive

A Union County man has been sentenced to serve time in the Illinois Department of Corrections on two separate charges.

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds reported Nov. 18 that Jared Garver, 24, formerly of 213 E. Chestnut St. in Anna, was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections on one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.

Garver also was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections for concealing a fugitive.

Garver was sentenced Nov. 18 by Judge Charles Cavaness. Garver had pleaded guilty to the charges.

Garver pleaded guilty to concealing Willis Edward Bates from authorities.

Bates was being sought by authorities in connection with the beating of two women at the First Baptist Church in Anna in October 2009.

As authorities searched for Bates in the vicinity of his residence on East Chestnut Street, Garver concealed Bates within his residence; however, there was no evidence or any indication that Garver was involved with the beatings or knew that Bates was responsible for the beatings, the state’s attorney said.

Garver was arrested in October 2009 following an investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Anna Police Department.