Suspect apprehended in Marion Monday Willis Bates faces multiple charges for beatings at Anna church
source="f5ad67d1b3af0d471b6ab8a0cc96e15a.gif"
A "person of interest" quickly became a suspect and was taken into custody in the investigation of last week's assault of two women at a Union County church.
Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds announced Monday evening that charges had been filed in connection with the Sept. 28 attack of two women at the First Baptist Church in Anna.
Edmonds made the announcement at a press conference held at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.
Edmonds said that Willis Edward Bates, 45, of Anna, faces four counts of attempted murder, all Class X felonies; one count of burglary of a place of worship, a Class 1 felony; and two counts of theft, a Class 2 and Class 4 felony.
Bates allegedly entered the First Baptist Church at 409 Market St. in Anna on Sept. 28.
Once inside the church, he is alleged to have severely beaten and repeatedly kicked and punched two members of the church's staff.
Bates also allegedly took money from one of the victims and from the church.
Edmonds said Bates also faces charges in connection with an alleged Sept. 21 burglary of an Anna residence, including residential burglary, a Class 1 felony unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 2 felony; and theft, a Class 3 felony.
Bates allegedly stole a handgun from a home on Chestnut Street.
Charges filed against Bates followed an extensive investigation by the Anna Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Union County Sheriff's Department and the Cobden Police Department.
Bates was taken into custody by the Illinois State Police Monday afternoon, Oct. 5, at a Marion motel.
Following his arrest, Bates was transported to the Union County Sheriff's Department Monday night for booking and processing. He then was transported to the Tri-County Detention Center at Ullin.
He remained in custody this week at the Tri-County Detention Center. His bond was set at $1 million.
Bates had his first appearance in Union County Circuit Court in Jonesboro Tuesday morning. A preliminary hearing in his case is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in circuit court.
Public defender Pat Duffy was appointed to represent Bates. The suspect remained in custody at the Tri-County Detention Center at Ullin.
During Monday night's press conference, Edmonds voiced his apprection to all of those who had assisted in the investigation which led to Bates's arrest.
He also voiced appreciation to the community for the support which has been given to the victims, their families and to the First Baptist Church in Anna.
Anna Police Chief Dale Foster echoed the state's attorney's words of appreciation. Foster said many individuals and businesses have helped law enforcement personnel, not only with information, but also with food and other support.